2006 Adelaida "HMR Estate" Paso Robles Pinot Noir

94 points from Wine Enthusiast: "This bottling is always quite good, but it excels in 2006. Shows lusher, more exotic notes than ever before, just oozing in tiers of black and red cherry compote, currants, mocha, cinnamon, anise and pepper flavors. Finishes thoroughly dry, a beautifully crafted Pinot that will change your mind about Paso Robles." (05/08) And, according to Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright red. Dried strawberry and cherry on the nose, with musky rose and herbal qualities that reminded me of an Italian wine. Smoky red berry and bitter cherry flavors stain the palate and gain depth with air. This is richer than the 2005 version and more complex, with good finishing thrust and cling." (Nov/Dec '08) Packed with aromas of wild strawberry, hard granitic stone, blueberry and a persistent spearmint quality, this is really complex for wines of its style. Ripe and fleshy this has plenty of stuffing: kirsch, black tea, anisette, cola and more of that spearmint quality found in the nose, to accompany its rustic earthy structure. This is perfectly drinkable now, especially for those that like the "big" Pinots, say ones from Santa Lucia Highlands, but I think another year in the bottle would not hurt a bit. (Bryan Brick, K&L)