91 points and a Gold Medal at the IWSC Sommeliers Challenge. But the most informative review is this one from the Dutch magazine Houlbergs:
In the Arroyo Seco area, cold sea air from Monterey Bay drifts down the valley every morning in the form of a thick fog that disappears as the day goes on. These unique conditions allow the grapes to ripen slowly. After harvest, the grapes are crushed and fermented in oak barrels and after fermentation, we are aged for 12 months in French barrels, of which about 40% are new barrels.
On the nose, it's actually a really good Pinot Noir with strawberries, sweet cherries and then some distinct herbal notes of thyme, cactus, rosehip, mint, vanilla, dark bitter chocolate, green leaves, forest floor and raw mushrooms as well as a little sweetness.
In terms of taste, it is a juicy and almost mouthwatering Pinot Noir with a little overseas warmth in the fruit. It is wild strawberries and cranberries, a little ink, pepper, soft acidity, soft tannins and thus clearly a pleasing creature with this great juiciness. 90 points.
And from Vivino:
Very smooth, just the right blend for a Pinot noir. Went great with chicken Alfredo.
Love this Pinot, tasty fruity flavor, I do somehow feel cinnamon, minerals. Recommended!!!!
Immediately one of my favorite wines to date (and only second five-star rating to date). Like a song, heard for the first time and suddenly enchanted. Strong aromas, almost too many to note (black pepper, clove, grass, black cherry, fresh rolling tobacco, spices and more) and wonderful complexity as you hold it on your palette. It being estate grown, produced and bottled, the terroir shines clearly. I will be coming back to this soon. Much to discover.
It's so rare to find a Pinot Noir at this price that’s both delicious and authentic. But then, it usually isn’t anywhere near this price.
