Californian Pinot Noir 2009

<p>Energetic, fresh and redolent ripe red cherry fruit, floral aromatics and light oak-barrel spice. No power, just pretty and elegant.</p>

<p>A marvel in how it manages to be at once dense and full bodied, yet with admirably low alcohol and mouthwatering fresh cherry and berry fruit. Cola and allspice notes add to the complexity.</p>

Has a cool-climate nose of dark, fleshy fruit, herbs and mint. The palate is bracingly acidic, yet juicy and generous. Firm tannins suggest cellaring.

Outstanding Supple tannins and pert acidity play off each other in this brilliantly integrated wine, enhanced by a flashy mineral streak. Give it air.

<p>Concentrated and full throttle, with ripe red-cherry fruitiness, yet it&rsquo;s also keenly balanced and refreshing for the style.</p>

<p>Earthy mushroom and toast on the nose, with the palate more savoury and spicy than fruity and lush. Yet the tart raspberry/cherry character is evident, enveloped in caressing tannins.</p>

<p>Direct, with juicy red berry/cherry and Asian spices. Not as complex as some, yet it&rsquo;s a generous drink for those who enjoy fruitiness.</p>

<p>Simple yet true, with a herb-tinged nose and red cherry/berry palate that is clean and fresh. A good-value quaff.</p>

Scores points for subtlety and finesse, with crisp raspberry, wild strawberry and gentle spice notes and mature tannins.

<p>Inviting floral and fresh-fruit aromas of potpourri, raspberry and cherry, with hints of leafy herbs and barrel spice. Understated palate seamlessly integrates fruit with savoury notes.</p>

<p>Very New World style and with a bit of everything packed in: toasty oak, spice, ripe black cherry fruit , brisk acidity and a juicy, mouthfilling suppleness.</p>

<p>Inviting nose of fresh earth and leafy herbs. Restrained, with fresh blueberry/red cherry fruit framed by brisk acidity and tight tannins; a delicate style that begs for cellaring.</p>

<p>As usual, this wine is restrained and lean in its youth, yet vibrant and promising for the long term. Delicate floral aromas and pretty cherry fruit flavours, with a subtle herbal undercurrent. Transparent and focused.</p>

Hallmark Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot with black fruit and dark spice. Full bodied and mouthfilling, yet balanced and vibrant on the close. Organically grown.

Despite its relatively high alcohol, the wine is composed and balanced, thanks to vibrant fruit and acidity, and firm structure. Brown baking spice dominates the nose; the palate has a lush, red fruit and cola entry, mouthfilling middle and a spicy, succulent finish.

<p>Josh Jensen&rsquo;s multi-regional blend is marvellous value, with effusive florality, nervy cherry and pomegranate fruit and fresh herb notes running through. Deftly oaked, medium bodied and with great energy.</p>

A muscular Pinot with deep black fruit, anise spice and solid tannins. Well balanced for its palate weight, and with moderate alcohol potency (for California).

<p>Intriguing for its bright red fruit and flower petal aromas, which lead to a surprisingly rich and powerful wild-berry and spice palate. Exotic and generous.</p>

Perfumed floral aromas with a classic Santa Rita Hills fruit profile of dark cherry and plum, with baking-spice and potpourri nuances. Concentrated and youthful.