Reviews For The 2008 Doctor's Vineyard Pinot Noir

 

91 Points - Tasted at a little more than a year of age, this Pinot Noir is a bit brusque. It should have been held back for another six months, to let the tannins, fruit and oak knit together.  With very rich black cherry, black raspberry, cola and sweet smoky oak flavors, it should begin to resolve by late Fall 2010, and provide pleasant drinking for another 3–4 years.  S.H.  May 2010 Buying Guide.

Inaugural release from this new producer who donates 100% of profits from sales to a charitable foundation. 100% destemmed.  Primarily Dijon clone 115 and Calera selection with smaller amounts of 667, 2A and Swan. Barreled as 70% free run juice and 30% press fraction.  Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Moderately dark reddishpurple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of blackberries, ripe strawberries and a hint of oak sap and toast. A fruit-driven wine displaying charming and generous flavors of plums, dark berries and quince. Thick and bold, but not jammy, with supple tannins leaving a bit of heat in its wake on the finish. Very typical of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir.  Volume 8, Issue 16 - June 8, 2010.

97 Points - Nose:   Crisp, plum-steeped, spring water. Elegant leathers. Light lavender. Violets. Candy.   Taste:  Clean, amazingly so. Smooth plum and light spice. Mature earth.  Mature cherry. Perfect structure and sexy mouthfeel.  Overall:  Astounding.   November 2009.

98 Points - Nose:   Nose notes same as above, but some of the crisp wafts have tamed a bit.  This is a broader, red berries and lush earth, nose that has deep cigar and spice box now.  Taste:  If anything this baby has sexed up even more. This is amazing.  Wow and wow.  Overall:  Astounding.  This pinot is off the charts, I hope they keep this quality up for the 2009 vintage, and I can’t wait to try their new Zins as well.  Re-tasted July 2010.