2001 Pinot Noir Three Sisters Vineyard

The dark ruby/plum-colored 2001 Pinot Noir Three Sisters-Lambing Barn Vineyard displays a restrained but authoritative nose of sassafras, plums, and black cherries as well as tart acidity and a lean, austere finish. It has plenty of character, but it tastes more like a young premier cru from the Cote de Nuits than a classic California Pinot. Tel. (707) 258-3608; Fax (707) 942-5633

The 2001 Pinot Noir Three Sisters Vineyard tastes as if it is a grand cru from the Cote de Nuits commune of Morey-St.-Denis. Sweet black cherries intermixed with autumnal compost and earth notes jump from the glass of this expansive, rich, full-bodied effort. It reminded me of a young 1985 Clos de Tart. The finish is pure cherry liqueur. (Price not yet determined) Tel. (707) 258-3608; Fax (707) 942-5633

Very good deep, bright red. Sappy aromas of raspberry, strawberry, smoke and roasted nuts. Suave, spicy, dense and full, with red berry fruit complicated by earth and cinnamon notes. Finishes very long and strong, with thoroughly ripe tannins and sweet berry flavors.