Siduri Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2008

"Rating: 85/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. Surprisingly wiry for a wine from this vineyard and affected by the same slightly earthy note seen in the other Siduri efforts

Rating: 85/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. Surprisingly wiry for a wine from this vineyard and affected by the same slightly earthy note seen in the other Siduri efforts, this bottling has a touch of rounding on the palate but then runs into a stiffer side complete with a chalky finishing texture that limits the expression of its middling fruit.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Drinkable now. Further bottle aging can improve this wine.

"Rating: 86/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. The first

Rating: 86/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. The first, fairly direct and defined black cherry scents speak well for this wine, but the evident hints of charred toast and greens do it no favors. An early bit of fullness on the palate provides a spark of interest that is partially undone by late-arriving thinness to the fruit. A useful partner to lighter steaks or savory salmon dishes, it falls just short of full marks.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Drinkable now. Unlikely to improve with further aging.

WA 90 Pts - According to Robert Parker - "They have produced a delicious 2008 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands, with the bulk of the grapes coming from the Rosella s Vineyard and the rest from the Pisoni and Garys Vineyards. Round and seductive, with loads of plum, raspberry, and black cherry fruit, medium to full body, and silky tannins, this is a pleasure-filled, luscious style of Pinot to drink over the next 3-4 years." Winemaker's Notes - We aged this Pinot Noir in 38% new French oak for 10 months before bottling without fining or filtration. At this point in time, we are absolutely thrilled with how this wine is developing in bottle. The wine is medium ruby color; deep, slightly closed, black cherry and smoky aromas; ripe, rich, smoky cherry flavors, complex, silky texture; toasty oak; good structure and balance; long finish. Complex and interesting style with good depth and structure.

Vivid red. Deeper and more brooding than the Russian River Valley bottling, showing dark berry, cherry and licorice on the nose. Bitter cherry and blackberry flavors are firmed by chewy tannins and pick up a touch of smokiness with air. The finish is youthfully taut and energetic, repeating the licorice note. Give this a bit more bottle age.

The attractive, soft, round, medium-bodied 2008 Pinot Noir Sonoma reveals more berry, briery notes intermixed with notions of cinnamon, forest floor, and spice box. These are very fairly priced, fruit-forward, delicious Pinot Noirs that are all meant to be drunk during their first 3ndash;5 years of life.