Very Russian River: controlled strength. You will come back to enjoy, again and again, the intoxicating nose of spice box, red fruits and rhubarb. Just a hint of California sweetness, compensated by acids and restrain. Yummy with food (seared salmon). Celebrity equivalent: Kirsten Bell (as Veronica Mars).

Medium garnet in colour with a medium intense nose.

A nice balance between new and old world Pinot

Positives: This wine features pine, rhubarb, cranberry, purple lilacs, strawberry, cherry, autumn leaves, smoldering ambers & forest underbrush. Medium body with low tannins, good acidity & a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or over the next 3 years on its own or pair it with seared Ahi Tuna.

Tasted: 19 January 2014

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9+/10 Total: 18+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot. Strawberry jam, cola, raspberry/ blackberry, vanilla oak, custard and smoke. But there's also some imperfections - sulphur or burnt match scents, which slightly disappoints. Also, it's a tad off balance and short on the finish, but at this price point, i'm not complaining. Very pleasurable juice.