A jeweled ruby hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir The Sum takes on fantastic crystalline and pure aromas of wild strawberries, raspberries, dark stones, menthol, and cedar spice, but it’s not very oaky. Medium-bodied, it has ripe tannins, with ripe acidity and a bit more modest acidity compared to the other wines from Zena Crown, but it’s long on the palate, with a more autumnal sensibility, and it’s going to show its best over the next 12-15 years.
95 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Sep 2024)
A pretty blend of dusty rose, ground cloves, sage and wild strawberries makes the 2021 Pinot Noir The Sum impossible to ignore. This is more savory than sweet and full of zesty character, with depths of saline minerals and exotic spices that cascade across the palate. Waves of tart blackberry slowly saturate. The 2021 leaves a web of fine tannins that flex upon the sense, finishing with medium length and a pleasantly bitter tinge that resonates. The Sun is produced using about 50% whole cluster fermentation.
94 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Aug 2024)
There's a lot of whole cluster; 50-60% minimum says winemaker Shane Moore. These specific Zena Crown blocks are adjacent to the Cristom estate. Stone and savoury with smoky notes on the nose of rose petals and mountain scrub. On the palate, you get ample fleshy berries; this wine has a depth and sweet fruit character.
94 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter (Feb 2025)
From grapes grown on volcanic soils and crafted mostly from whole clusters, the 2021 Pinot Noir The Sum has layered, spicy aromas of tar, licorice, forest floor, aniseed and wild berry fruit. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated but still youthfully wound and latent. It has chalky tannins and mouthwatering acidity and finishes long and spicy. It deserves several years in the cellar to unwind. 887 cases were made.
93+ points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Jul 2024)
Very pretty and pure, sleek in raspberries and red and black cherries that integrate well with light oak spices. Moderate tannins, a good acid tension and a medium body support the focused and tangy fruit for a vibrant expression. Drink or hold.
93 points, Jim Gordon, James Suckling (Mar 2024)
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