Wow, a super well-structured, vital wine with oodles of generous black fruit flavors on a firm frame that will help it age well and improve with time. Black cherries, blackberries, blueberries, forest floor nuances and a slight smoky, stemmy character from using mostly Calera-clone grapes, with 15% whole clusters and 30% new French oak. Great interplay between layered fruit and a fresh, crunchy texture. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.
98 points, Jim Gordon, James Suckling (Jan 2025)
The 2023 Pinot Noir George Menini Estate is stunning. It offers a captivating mix of aromatic intensity, structure and deep fruit. It's balance is mind-blowing. The clonal mix of Calera, Mt. Eden and 115 gave rise to a Pinot of rare distinction and dynamic energy. I loved it. A closing burst of red/purplish fruit, rose petal and mocha lingers on the finish. What a stunner.
97 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Dec 2024)
The 2023 Pinot Noir George Menini is dark-fruited and spicy. On the nose, blueberry and blackberry are complemented by pure nuances of tea leaves, Angostura bitters, aniseed and lavender. The medium-bodied palate is pure and perfumed. It has a seamless structure of silky tannins and vibrant acidity and a long, spicy finish. 870 cases were made. It will benefit from several years in the cellar.
96+ points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Aug 2025)