The 2016 Pinot Noir Gestalt Block, aged 12 months in 30% new French oak, has a medium ruby-purple color and is slow to open on the nose. With time, it offers crushed stone, grapefruit peel, potpourri, blueberry and floral nuances over a core of red currant, cranberry and red cherries. The palate is medium-bodied and absolutely explodes with juicy, bitters-laced red fruits. It has a firm, very finely grained frame and mouthwatering acidity on the long, layered finish that begs you to take another sip. Yowza! This will benefit from another couple of years in bottle. 350 cases produced.
95+ points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Apr 2020)
There's a salty note here, with pomegranate fruit, brambly berries and a streak of citrus. Aged a full year in 30% new French oak, it dries out a bit toward the finish, with tannins that taste of tea and leave a light impression of ash. As with all Brittan wines, it beautifully expresses the McMinnville terroir with a distinct minerality throughout.
94 points, Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast (Apr 2020)
This has a very attractive, minerally thread of dark stones and graphite-like aromas, through ripe dark cherries and chocolate. The palate has a bold, full style with rich, dark-cherry flavors, cast in sweeping waves of tannin. Drink or hold.
93 points, James Suckling (Jan 2020)