The 2019 Pinot Noir Silver Eagle Vineyard is a new label/vineyard-designate wine for Maxem, coming from a site in Sonoma Coast AVA, planted to the "VR" clone (allegedly from Vosne-Romanée). Tasted as a barrel sample, it displays a medium ruby-purple color and a very savory/spicy nose of Sichuan pepper, Indian spices and garrigue with a core of black raspberries, red raspberry compote and fresh blackberries plus a waft of cinnamon stick. Medium-bodied, very elegant and refreshing, it has a fine-grained texture and a long, peppery finish. 150 cases are due to be made. (LPB)