The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate saw 20% whole clusters and 20% new oak. A representation of the vineyard, the blend can vary from year to year. The 2022 is a ripe ruby color and opens to notes of spice and ripe raspberries. Medium-bodied, it’s a great appellation wine, with ripe tannins and a great finish. Drink 2024-2036. A few thousand cases were produced.
94 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2024)
So elegantly structured that its deep complexity sneaks up on you. Flavors of raspberry and cherry mix with crushed stone and black tea accents as this builds tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2033. 1,770 cases made.
94 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator (Feb 2025)
The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate lifts from the glass with a flower shop bouquet complicated by incense, crushed stones and lavender-laced blackberries. This is soothingly round with cool-toned red berry fruits and tactile mineral tones elevated by brisk acidity. Inner violet and rose tones resonate through the long and potent finale as the 2022 finishes gently tannic and spicy.
93 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Aug 2024)
Fleshy and blue-fruited, this Estate Pinot Noir comes from an array of blocks in the Lingua Franca estate sites. Smoky violets and turned earth leap forth with savoury notes of raspberry leaf and a mineral tone of wet cement. The palate is lushly fruited with fleshy blue bramble fruits, alongside flavours of plum skins, black tea and a mouthful of dried lavender and mountain herbs. Delightfully savoury and fresh.
93 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter (Aug 2024)
The nose is lifted and floral, with delicate aromas of cherry, pomegranate and hibiscus. The palate is medium-bodied with soft, integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of citrus rind, rooibos tea and cassia bark. A balance of sweet and savory. Drink or hold.
92 points, James Suckling (Sep 2024)