The 2023 Pinot Noir Belly Of The Whale is highly expressive of its more exposed position on the Sonoma Coast. It leads with more mineral and savory-inflected aromatics on the nose, with deep and umami notes of black cherries, dark stones, nori, pine, and floral perfume. The palate is more red-fruited and brings more raspberry fruit to the fore, with a mouthwatering spine of acidity and a salty, tension-driven feel. It will benefit from another year or so in bottle and drink its best over the coming 12-15 years.
96 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Jul 2025)
A frankly ripe, steeped style, with dark cherry, boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit notes spilling through, laced with bramble, singed anise and apple wood along the way. Offers the underlying energy to support it all; this is for the hedonist crowd. Best from 2026 through 2033. 112 cases made.
94 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Sep 2025)
This dark colored, muscular and full-bodied wine carries strong black fruit flavors and lively minty spices on the palate. Fine-grained tannins and vivid acidity keep it feeling fresh as you sip. Black cherries, dark plums, black currants, cinnamon, star anise and cardamom emerge with time in the glass. Drink now or hold.
94 points, Jim Gordon, James Suckling (Nov 2025)
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