2007 Dutton-Goldfield "Freestone Hill" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

“It may be easy enough to argue that this generously fruited young wine is a bit simple and not fully expressed, but, if never one for bombast or drama, it is absolutely striking in focus and depth. Its careful structure, its keen fix on well-ripened cherries and its tantalizing glimpses of coming complexity make a wholly compelling case for a few years of very confident aging.” (10/2009)

“A softly spiced nose features fresh, ripe and layered violet, plus and cassis aromas that slide gracefully into delicious, detailed and pure medium-bodied flavors that are balanced and harmonious. This is a really pretty effort that could be enjoyed now though there is ample potential here.” (10/2009)

“Good bright, dark red. Reticent, youthfully medicinal aromas of cherry, currant and menthol; the fruit is currently in the background. Concentrated, chewy and rich but the most backward and tannic of this set of Pinots; plenty of extract here but not yet as energetic or complex as the Devil's Gulch. This, too, saturates the mouth with flavor without leaving any impression of weight. There's already an impressive sweetness to the black cherry and brown spice flavors but there's much more to come. Very broad and suave on the aftertaste. This is easily the finest set of Pinots I've tasted to date from this producer.” (05/2009)

“From a cool part of the valley, this wine is marked by fresh acids that give it a grapey jamminess. It’s very rich in black cherries, black raspberries and toast, and very dry. Feels sharp and angular now. Give it through 2010 to calm down.” (12/2009)