cat shepard

Final Four is a big deal, Sandi! But I was hoping. Ren has an amazing future ahead of him.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! It is a gorgeous morning here! Perhaps we have finally broken out of the recent weather pattern, though the rain helped fill our water reservoirs & made everything lush and green. Vanessa, thank you for what you do for all of us! I believe I read posts carefully, until you share something that I miss & I have to go reread them. Zumba, Bindi walks, chores and hopefully- pool time, will keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Go Ren & the Jaguars! Give us something to celebrate! Get well & stay well everyone! ********** Tony Bish Chardonnay Hawkes Bay Skeetfield 2021 Another elusive New Zealand wine, though I did find a few distributors who ship worldwide. Consumers love this Chardonnay, and I even found one review of it! The Australian distributor that I found, offers it for the lowest price that I found - $61.65 + shipping Raymond Chan - 98 points Bright, straw-yellow with depth and a light green sheen, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is complex and enticing, with aromas of stonefruit, citrus and yellow blossoms entwined with layers of toasty, creamy and spice elements. Medium-full bodied, aromas of peach, apricot, lemon sherbet and pink grapefruit show purity, unveiling toasted brioche, almond, lemon curd and delicate oak spice. The wine is sleek with a seamless acidity flow; it elegantly binds and integrates oak elements and underlines power and structure. Chalky phenolics left a silky, opulent mouthfeel. This sleek Chardonnay possesses pristine fruit with elegant, well-portioned, integrated oak elements on a seamless palate. Match with lemon butter langoustine and hamachi sashimi over the next 8+ years. Dry-farmed Mendoza clone handpicked, whole bunch pressed. 100% barrel-fermented to 14% alc, 60% new Taransaud French oak. 100% MLF, battonage, on lees for 12 months. 19.5/20 pts (98 pts) Sep 2022

Rich, thank you for getting us started. We are definitely in a rainy period, I don’t dare head out with Bindi without my rain jacket. And I keep her drying towel just inside the door. She may not like getting wet, but she loves getting towel dried. 😎 Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings. I have a manicure this morning, then Bindi walks, chores, yard work - weather permitting, and a visit to a favorite wine bar with friends. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, keeping Lou and all of you in my prayers. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Get well & stay well everyone! *********** Trinity Hill Syrah Hawkes Bay Homage 2019 Well you not be able to find this wine, but you will know a heck of a lot about it - if you do. I found one New Zealand distributor who will ship to me with a price of $93.45 + shipping. If still in stock, you might find earlier vintages easier to find. And just as highly valued. The best Syrah I ever enjoyed was from Latta wines in Washington state. It had 3% Viognier grapes which added an amazing smoothness to this bold varietal. Distributor notes Grape Varietals: 99% Syrah & 1% Viognier Growing Region: Hawke’s Bay - New Zealand Chief Winemaker: Warren Gibson The growing season in Hawke’s Bay during 2019 was another stunner, with one of the hottest summers on record. Plus, their vineyards had very little rainfall in January and February that continued through into harvest time from late March into the middle of April, which was ideal for the fruit to reach full physiological ripeness. And at harvest time fruit quality of the highest order. The Syrah grapes selected for this wine were hand-harvested from several individual sites, blocks, and even specific clones. On arrival to the winery the different fruit parcels were fermented separately. Each parcel was either hand- plunged twice or pumped over once daily during fermentation to optimise colour, flavour, and tannin extraction. The parcels from their Gimblett Stones and Roy’s Hill vineyards were 100% whole bunch fermented. The latter was also co- fermented with Viognier skins. The remaining batches were fermented with a high proportion of whole berries. These winemaking techniques were to increase aromatic, structural, and textural complexity. The wine was then matured in traditional oak barrels and large oak vats to help mould the qualities of each parcel. 60% was matured in 228-litre French oak barriques for 18 - 21 months, of which 34% was new oak. The remaining 40% was matured in seasoned 5400-litre French oak ovals for 14 months. The final wine was blended in January and bottled in February 2021 with no fining and minimal filtration. The 2019 ‘Homage’ has a refined, sophistication to its confidence, that has become a hallmark of this tribute to Hawke’s Bay Syrah. An inviting bouquet, revealing forest berries, dark plums, liquorice, five-spice, dried herbs, and subtle ember notes. The palate has a broad impact, showcasing a controlled intensity and concentration of dark berries and cacao flavours, supported by fine-grained tannins providing structure and direction for this generous wine with a silky texture. This Syrah has retained natural fruit acidity, that balances the supportive oak nature that is still forward due to its youth. While ensuring the wine remains vibrant, focused, and giving definition to the detailed complexity evident in this wine, and reinforced by its exceptional length and seamless finish. Treat yourself - this wine is definitely worth sharing. This 2019 Trinity Hill 'Homage' Syrah has 13% Alc./vol. Classic dry style. If opened in the next 12 - 18 months decant for 45 - 50 minutes and serve in a generously shaped red wine glass at 16°- 18°C. Cellaring Potential: *(Posted 2/06/2023) With good decanting, it is approachable now; though will appreciate another 2 - 3 years and will repay and age nicely for another 8 - 10 years. Food Pairing Suggestions: Perfect wine pairing with tender lamb shanks with a red wine jus, slow cooked prime meats, well-seasoned pasta dishes and earthy vegetarian cuisine, plus aged hard cheeses - enjoy.

Just a quick post to share what info about the wine I could find. I am at the dealer’s for routine maintenance and using my phone. Let’s just say it has been painful. Stay well everyone. ********* Maude Pinot Noir Central Otago Poison Creek 2020 Another elusive New Zealand wine. If you can find it, or find someone who is willing to ship to you, the online starting price is $30.55. Distribution notes Vintage Summary The year no-one will ever forget, 2020. Our 2020 growing season followed a very mild winter, bud burst coincided perfectly with very cool Spring conditions, thankfully we avoided any damage from 3 significant frosts. Spring conditions remained cool with intermittent periods of rain. Flowering as a result was interrupted and drawn out which affected our fruit set, we knew we were in for a light cropping year. With the beginning of the calendar year, the weather settled, warmed up and despite our initial predictions that we would need to do a lot of green thinning to even up the crop, we found the tiny berry size and bunch weights ripened easily in the warmer conditions. A year where the small berries, light bunches and cool ripening conditions has meant flavours are ripe and concentrated, with good vibrancy and acidity

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! A lovely morning after another rainy night. Bindi & I got caught in a pop-up deluge last night. My sandals are still damp from getting soaked. Good thing Bindi enjoys being towel dried. Vanessa, thank you keeping our lists so meticulously. Gym, Bindi walks, chores and then dinner with friends. Possibly some pool time - if I can fit it in and the weather cooperates. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! *********** Bodegas Resalte de Peñafiel Ribera del Duero de Restia Crianza Selected Harvest 2019 We are lucky the price of this Tempranillo isn’t determined by the number of letters in its name. I used the 2019 vintage info, since that should be the easiest to find. A few online distributors with prices starting at $23.22. Winemaker Notes #23 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2021 This maturing red is beautifully balanced, showing fresh, ripe fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry, with deeper notes of cedar, tobacco, mineral and spice. WS93 Wine Spectator This maturing red is beautifully balanced, with fresh, ripe fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry, and deeper notes of cedar, tobacco, mineral and spice. The firm tannins are softening, yet this remains fresh and focused through the long finish. Tempranillo.

Wonderful news, Sandi!

Happy belated birthday Susan! Hope your new year is filled with love, laughter, great health & a cruise!

Rich, thank you for getting us started with today’s R & D! A bit cloudy after some late storms that swept through here last night. My dinner with the neighbors was fun. We even enjoyed some pool time. Vanessa, thank you for keeping track of us. Just gym, Aldi, Bindi walks and clean up after last night should keep me busy. Maybe some pool time. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ************* Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019 A very lovely wine for a pretty amazing price. Outside of my normal budget, but I would love to try it. What an amazing blend of grapes. Who knows, I just might want a bottle for a special occasion. And compared to similar wines, this price is reasonable. Numerous online distributors with prices starting at $79.99. Winemaker Notes #7 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022 The 2019 Château de Beaucastel red has an elegant deep ruby red color. The powerful and elegant nose offers superb notes of spices, cherries and cocoa. Elegantly and perfectly balanced, the mouth reveals a beautiful dense structure with fine tannins and complex aromas of red fruit such as blackcurrants and floral notes. The finish is very long and harmonious. A very sophisticated wine, signature of Beaucastel’s style. Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Terret, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Bourboulenc, Picardan & Roussanne JS97 James Suckling So much ripe damson-plum and blackberry fruit, but also notes of licorice, candied ginger and baking spices. In spite of all the considerable power and concentration, this is anything but loud or domineering, rather it tastes very poised and precise. Very long finish with pronounced stony character. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold D96 Decanter Immediately rich and damson-scented with a shot of cassis running through it. A medium-bodied, very classic vintage with good freshness. Has a good sense of weight and drive, not endlessly deep like 2017 or 2016 but perfectly balanced. Should age well into the medium, if not long term, but what's more important is that it's extremely delicious, balanced and fresh. Grenache and Cinsault fermented in cement, Syrah and Mourvèdre fermented in foudre. A little less Syrah this year. JD96 Jeb Dunnuck The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is the usual blend of roughly 30% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties that was brought up in foudre. It offers a vivid ruby/purple hue as well as stunning aromatics of blueberries, violets, peppered beef, leather, and spring flowers. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and elegant, it has just a kiss of classic Beaucastel wild, sauvage nuances, ripe, silky tannins, and a great finish. Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades. Rating : 96+ WS96 Wine Spectator This is pretty gorgeous, with a remarkably pure display of cassis, cherry puree and plum reduction flavors laced ever so gently with threads of leather, alder and dried garrigue. The sleek iron spine is buried deeply on the finish, and there’s a lingering hint of warm stone as the fruit echoes through. Built to last. RP95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The dark-fruited, plummy and cola-scented 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape is a rich, full-bodied effort reminiscent of the 2007 or 2009. Dense, powerful and savory, it may drink well for a short time on release, but expect it to close up shortly, only to reemerge in several years. There's ample concentration and sufficient tannins for the long haul, with a long, dusty finish and hints of licorice that bode well for the future.

Safe travels, Terri!

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! A lovely morning here. We had a very brief, but wild T-storm blow through here yesterday afternoon. Cleared the air, the sun came back out and it was perfect pool weather. In spite of all the recent rain, my pool water is holding at 89. Vanessa, thank you for capturing & sharing our happenings. Just Zumba, Bindi walks, prep for tonight’s dinner and then my neighbors arrive for pool time (weather permitting) and dinner. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone. *********** Pyramid Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Canterbury Angel Flower 2020 If you live in New Zealand or the UK, you are in luck. You might find this lovely Pinot Noir locally. In the I did find one New Zealand distributor that ships worldwide offering it for $77.93 + shipping. Raymond Chan’s wine review Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Canterbury & Waipara Review Date : 17-Apr-2023 ☆☆☆☆☆ Moderately deep dusty crimson, lighter on edge. This has a grounding energy on the bouquet, with deep aromas of cherry, wild raspberry, sous bois, balsamic, hibiscus and spice. Medium-bodied, cherry and wild raspberry aromas melded with cacao nibs, sous bois, hibiscus, nutmeg and cinnamon. The aromatics are pretty, with good energy, yet savoury, with strength, lengthening on an earthy palate, unfolding minerals and spice. Match with game fowls and black truffle pasta over the next 5-7 years. Handpicked, hand sorted, fully destemmed and fermented with yeast from vineyard to 13.5% alc, on skins for 21-27 days. Aged in French wooden cuves and barrels for 18 months. Unfined, unfiltered. Biodynamic certified. 19/20 pts (95 pts)

Rich, thank you for today’s R & D! After a night of intense storms, we are having more showers. Everything is looking very green, and our birds are happily hunting all the worms. Vanessa, thank you for taking on the Cares & Celebrations lists. No gym for me today. 😱. Cleaning and prep for the dinner I am hosting for my neighbors tomorrow, Bindi walks, chores - and if Mother Nature permits - pool time will keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Get well & stay well everyone! ******** Bookwalter Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Readers 2019 Note: this Cab is a borderline red blend. In fact in some countries it could not be called a Cab. “The States” only requires that 75% of the grapes be Cabernet Sauvignon. I might enjoy it even more, who knows? Reasonably priced with online prices starting at $15.00. Winemaker Notes #41 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022 The 2019 Readers Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful garnet color and has aromatics of fresh black cherry, strawberry, and vanilla. Brûléed cherries, blackberry, and hints of cedar delight your senses before you are met with a satisfying and juicy finish. This wine is intended for weekly enjoyment but is capable of aging gracefully over several years when stored properly. This wine is great for BBQs, camping, and weeknight family meals. Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 9% Syrah, 1% Malbec WS92 Wine Spectator Talk about bang for the buck—this red has structure and zesty polish, plus expressive black cherry, toasty mocha and smoked spice flavors. WE90 Wine Enthusiast Bookwalter’s Readers wines are one of the best places to find value in Washington—with much of it coming from old-vine fruit that didn’t fit into the rest of the winery’s program. Made with 15% Syrah and equal parts Petit Verdot and Malbec (5%), this Cab blend has aromas that pop, with notes of black fruit and a sprinkling of herbs. The flavors are plump and generous while showing the mid palate elegance of the vintage. Editors’ Choice.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! It is a spectacular morning here. 72 with a cool breeze. Last night’s rain seems to have eliminated the humidity - for now. Vanessa - thank you for keeping up with us! An early Zumba class, Bindi walks, chores and pool time will keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Get well & stay well everyone! ********** Hans Herzog Estate Marlborough Spirit of Marlborough 2016 This New Zealand red blend sounds wonderful. I even found one distributor in “The States” who would ship to me for $60 + shipping. It is slightly outside of my budget, so if I could find it on special locally - I would love to try it. Distributor notes This noble blend shows off with aromas of juicy dark plums, black fruits and berries. Subtle spices, herbs and dark chocolate add to the complexity. Concentration and opulence aplenty followed by a sensuous, lingering long finish. Enjoy this stately flagship wine at its full potential alike a “Grand Cru” Pomerol with many years of bottle ageing. 95 points | Bob Campbell, TheRealReview.com An equal blend of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. A little bottle age has produced a mellow texture and good flavour integration. Quite a mellow, savoury red with red and black fruit flavours together with hedgerow, charcuterie and spicy oak. An elegant wine with cellaring potential. Drink: 2022-2025

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich. Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸 It is lovely out right now, but we are bracing for another hot one. Florida came back with a vengeance yesterday. The breezes helped, but I was exhausted by the end of the day. The pool sure felt good, even though the water was 90 degrees. I need to remember to shut the solar panels system off. Vanessa, thank you. I really appreciate how carefully you keep track of all of us. Pedicure, Bindi walks, HIIT class, chores & pool time. Definitely pool time. This should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Get well & stay well everyone! ******** Blank Canvas Chardonnay Marlborough Escaroth 2021 This New Zealand Chardonnay sounds nice. And there are numerous online distributors willing to ship worldwide for a fairly decent price + shipping. I really hope the rest of the world wakes up to all New Zealand wines soon, not just the Sauvignon Blancs. Online prices start at $28.31 + shipping. Cameron Douglas’ notes Fabulous bouquet with a range of scents from youthful, fresh, some new wood energy and spice with a core of fruit, to a sense of place with warm silty soils and wisps of salty air. Complex. On the palate a full-bodied wine with a satin touch, flavours of white nectarine and ripe grapefruit flesh, apples and a leesy mineral complexity. Great acid line and, judicious use of oak and core of fruit. Wood spice and tannins layer in mouthfeel, some tension and plenty of length. A lovely wine with best drinking from mid to late 2023 through 2029. 95 Points Outstanding

I am curious if you ever feel uncomfortable about picking up strangers. I have some great conversations with Uber drivers, and only one said that he chose not to opt in to pick someone up because of the location involved.

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich. A lovely morning with a hint of the breezes that will help manage the day’s heat. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with our cares & celebrations. This was taken just off shore from Key West. We were on a wine tasting cruise and the sky was spectacular. Just gym, Bindi walks, putting up the flags in the cul de sac for Flag Day, chores and pool time - that should help keep me out of trouble. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877, Terry I am starting my prayers for Lou’s successful surgery & rapid recovery. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ******* Capraia Chianti Classico Riserva 2018 I confess to only drinking a Chianti with a meal. I enjoy it, but not as a sipping wine. This one sounds lovely, and is very reasonably priced. Numerous online distributors with prices starting at $22.83. Distributor notes Tenuta di Capraia is located in the heart of Chianti Classico, which for centuries has been one of the most celebrated wine growing areas of Tuscany. Praised for its art and culture, captivating landscapes, and glorious wine and food, their Gran Selezione is a clear winner offering complex aromas of dark cherry, raspberry and sweet violets. Sourced from carefully-selected vineyards, this Tuscan red represents the iconic elegance of a traditional Chianti Classico, while possessing cellar worthy attributes. "Gran Selezione" is a new classification in Chianti Classico that was introduced a few years ago when winemakers wanted a tier higher than Riserva. The quality and aging go beyond Chianti Classico Riserva, with a minimum of 30 months in oak and three months in bottle before release. The wines must be made from estate grown grapes of a single vineyard, or a selection of the estate's best parcels. 95+ Points in back-to-back vintages, Tenuta di Capraia's Gran Selezione is drop-dead gorgeous and a must have for any Italian wine lover! Wine Spectator: 95 Points "This offers depth along with an alluring expression of cherry, black currant and violet flavors. Charming and approachable, yet there’s a dense structure underneath as well as vibrant acidity. The long finish reveals rosemary and iron elements. Best from 2024 through 2042."

Chuck, I wish you success in your journey. Quitting smoking was the toughest thing I have ever done. It took me 3 tries, but I have been a non-smoker for 34 years! Ann

Rich, thank you for today’s R & D! A lovely morning here. No storms last night, though I could hear thunder rumbling South of us. Vanessa, thank you for so diligently capturing & sharing our happenings. Gym, Bindi visits the Vet, Bindi walks, chores and then dinner at a fantastic Thai restaurant with a bunch of folk I met at my old gym. I spent my formative years in Massachusetts, and always pronounced Aunts differently from the insect. I was startled the first time I heard it pronounced like the insect. I can relate to this one! 😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ************** The Elder Pinot Noir Martinborough 2019 The hunt is on for the 2019 vintage. I found one New Zealand distributor offering it for $67.00. I did not look op to see if they shipped worldwide. I had better luck with the 2018 vintage. Outstanding reviews and at least one distributor that ships worldwide for $41.07 + shipping. Raymond Chan notes for the 2018 vintage Bright ruby-red with depth and good transparency, slightly lighter edged. The nose is softly elegant and aromatic; nuances of thyme, minty herbs interweave cherry plums and perfume liftings. Medium-bodied, mouth-filling aromas of cherry plums, raspberries melded with herbaceous thyme, mint, liquorice roots and earth. The palate is sleek with powdery tannin; integrated acidity enlivens the herbaceous character and provides length to an elegantly harmonious finish. Match with crispy pork belly and roasted pigeon over the next 6-8 years. The fruit was sourced from an elevated river terrace at the Southern end of Te Muna Valley, grown following organic principles. Handpicked, destemmed, indigenous yeast fermented in open-top tanks to 14% alc. 18-20 days on skins, pressed and aged in Fench oak barrels on lees for 10 months. 19-/20 pts" - 19/20.

@catmando Happy Birthday, Chuck! May your new year be filled with love, laughter, great health & a cruise! @marshhawk Annie shared your special day with us!

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! A lovely morning here! Last night’s T-storms stayed North & South of me, so I finally got my plants fertilized. And some pool time. 😎 Vanessa, thank you for taking the time to capture all our happenings. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, a family Zoom meeting and pool time. BTW red wine lovers, Aldi sells a really nice red blend aged in bourbon barrels by Quarter Cut for $9.99! The same vintner offers nice Cab aged in bourbon barrels for the same price. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ********** Te Mata Hawkes Bay Coleraine 2020 This wine sounds amazing. I did find an Australian distributor that ships worldwide offering it for $61.09. But I can’t even begin to guess what the shipping costs would be. I hope @erewhon has the opportunity to try some of the amazing wines we have seen here. Cameron Douglas’ notes 97 Points This wine lives up to its reputation with this example. Opaque at the core with deep purple hues and a ruby pink rim with ink staining tears. An excellent bouquet of pure blackberry and doris plum scents, layers of black cherry and iron sand earthy qualities. Oak layers in myriad aromas from clove to vanilla and a toasty smoke layer with a sweet lift from new barrel. A stunning wine on the palate, taut and new with firm chalky tannins, backbone of acidity, olive and garrigue with a core of fleshy dark fruit flavours soaking up the new energy from barrel. Layers of baking spice and tobacco with a warmed earth mineral quality. This is the most impressive example of Coleraine to date. Best drinking from 2026 through 2040+. Made with: 57% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot and 7% cabernet franc. Outstanding

@Denise T 60 is the new 40. 😎

Denise, may your new year be filled with love, laughter, great health and a cruise!

Annie, what is DH’s actual first name?

Just gorgeous, Debbie!

Definitely something for you & Sue to celebrate, Jack!

Thank you for today’s R & D, Rich! It is a lovely morning here, but last evening’s T-storm was wild. Two lightning bolts were close enough to light up my house and the accompanying thunder claps made my house vibrate. They certainly got Bindi’s & my attention! Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us! Dixie & Debbie, thank you for keeping us fed & hydrated! Just Zumba, yard work, Bindi walks and if Mother Nature cooperates- pool time. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ***************** Hanzell Pinot Noir Sonoma Valley 2019 This Pinot Noir sounds lovely. Most of the critics say to wait until next year to enjoy it, but it has a long lifespan. Numerous online distributors with prices starting at $78.88. Winemaker Notes #25 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022 Mouthwatering aromas of cherry, blackberry, blood orange zest and red plum are buoyed by intriguing graphite, forest floor and earthy cherry tobacco scents. The palate is lush and juicy, shows flavors of blackberry bramble, red fruits, and hints of wet earth. Fruit and earth characters linger on the palate through a long, beautifully balanced and textured finish, making this wine both tremendously drinkable now while also another wonderful candidate for additional years in the cellar. WS95 Wine Spectator Pure and racy in feel, with lovely damson plum, bitter cherry and raspberry notes flecked liberally with rooibos tea and savory details. Picks up additional energy through the finish, with a grounding rod of minerality that pulls everything to a pinpoint finish. Puts on weight as it airs, too. Everything is there—now you just need to wait. Best from 2024 WE94 Wine Enthusiast Elegant, textured and delicate in style, this estate wine is funky in earthy compost, forest and black tea. The fruit is quiet and integrated, crisp and tangy, with a lift of citrus, pomegranate and wild strawberry. This wine is structured to age and should open further in the cellar; enjoy best from 2024–2030. Cellar Selection JS94 James Suckling A beautiful red with fresh strawberry, lemon rind and some stones. Creamy and clean. Medium-bodied with a layered yet fine-tannined texture and a fresh finish. Very beautiful. Drink in 2024. V92 Vinous The 2019 Pinot Noir is a very pretty, understated wine. Soft, silky contours and lifted aromatics meld around a core of succulent red cherries, sweet spice, tobacco, rose petal and cedar. The 2019 is a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. This is an especially airy, ethereal style.