Carneros Creek Pinot Noir Grail 2005

This wine is the result of careful selections of our best lots of Pinot Noir, with judicious use of French oak. Ruby in color, the wine shows a fusion of ripe red cherry and spice aromas, with subtle hints of crème brulee in the background. A lush, velvety texture up front leads to concentrated cherry and blackberry flavors, with hints of vanilla, caramel and cedar in the finish. The wine shows fine-grained tannins, with enough acidity to keep the fruit lively and add length to the palate. Sixteen months in barrel has created a sense of integration and harmony in the wine, which, while drinking nicely now, will continue to evolve for three or so years to come.

"Refreshing ripe, vibrant, complex and fruit driven, with full bodied black cherry, plum and wild berry fruit that's rich and focused, ending with a long, layered finish. Drink now through 2014."
Wine Spectator Hot Wines Jan. 21, 2009