Medium-deep ruby color; complex, rich wild cherry aromas with some spice and herbal notes; deep, complex flavors of cherry and earth with some herbal and tea notes; silky texture; good structure and balance; long finish. Complex, rich Pinot with subtle layers of flavor.

Coming from a vineyard planted in 2008, located just past Sebastopol on the Sonoma Coast, the 2012 Mardikian Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir has a pale to medium ruby color and an earthy, meaty, gamey nose over a core of dried cranberries, potpourri and kirsch. Medium to full-bodied, it is showing some nice bits of evolution in the mouth, giving savory flavors and pleasant yeasty/meatiness, plus a grainy backbone and long, lively finish. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown