Macmurray Ranch Pinot Noir Winemaker S Block 2008

"Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. Nicely stated red cherry fruit with touches of black cherries and a bright

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. Nicely stated red cherry fruit with touches of black cherries and a bright, energetic, not quite developed side makes the early going in this somewhat supple, slightly flesh, never soft bottling. Young in its fruit with good volume to its cherryish flavors and plenty of depth to hold off somewhat coarse tannins at this writing, the wine seems bound to improve for three to six years and is more likely to fit in with savory beef dishes than with something on the more refined side.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Cellar for future drinking. Wine will improve with bottle aging.

Delicate scents of rose and ripe strawberry integrate completely into the tannin, which carries a subtle, earthy funk. The structure is focused along a narrow line of acidity, holding the wine tight for now. Decant it for roast quail, or cellar for several years to let the flavors expand.

Currently hard and tart in acids and tannins, but loaded with sweet, ripe fruit, this Pinot is silky enough to drink now, which most consumers probably will. But if you give it until sometime in 2010, the cherries, cola, sandalwood and spices will mesh and improve.

Ripened to softness, like a fraise de bois compote, this is concentrated but gentle, with a roundness that lasts. It continues to improve with air, suited to a few years of age, or to rare roast beef.

Slightly more structured, darker-colored, richer, and muscular is the 2007 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. It reveals floral notes along with sweet, autumnal vegetation, black cherry, and spice characteristics in its well-made, medium-bodied style.

Kind of unripe and thin, with tobacco, beet and herb flavors, although a touch of black cherry helps. The texture is smooth, but the finish is a little watery.