The Wine Enthusiast (the only publication to rate this so far), rates it Phinney’s best wine ever, saying:
This is a bold yet intriguing complex bottling from a vineyard on the western edge of this cool appellation. Aromas of juicy cherry, pepper and rose petal balm make for an exciting nose. Firm tannins grip the palate, where enticing wild strawberry, eucalyptus leaf and peppercorn flavors manage to stay light on their feet.
Phinney says:
An endearing pour of a brooding crimson core with flashes of vermilion and neon pink as the glass swirls. Aromatics spill in double time with notes of muddled strawberry, “Pinot crunch”, cranberry, pomegranate, orange peel, and the coastal hills of lavender and sagebrush surrounding our vineyard. Without missing a beat, the palate flaunts rich and concentrated flavors of black cherry, ripe strawberry, fennel and a kiss of Maldon salt, kept in check by the layers of acid that dominate wines from the region. A multitude of sensations culminates with mild tannins and an energized finish that seems to perpetually exist.
Along with his hard-to-find L’Usine Annapolis Ridge Pinot Noir at $140 (more on that one later), this is Phinney’s supreme Pinot Noir achievement so far.
