The 2016 Ernest Vineyards Cleary Ranch The Settler Pinot Noir hails from the Sonoma appellation in California's North Coast region. This Pinot Noir, produced by Ernest Vineyards, presents itself with a 12.2% alcohol content and is sealed with a cork closure. This red wine boasts a pale to medium ruby color and exhibits a range of intricate and robust flavors, as noted by several esteemed reviewers.

James Suckling awarded this wine a commendable score of 93. In his review dated October 20, 2018, Suckling highlighted its "attractive array of brambly wild-cherry aromas" and described the palate as having a "succulent, restrained and vibrantly elegant texture with juicy, lithe red cherries." He praised the wine's "impressive structural detail," suggesting it is suitable for drinking now or holding for future enjoyment.

Antonio Galloni of Vinous gave the wine a score of 92 in his review published on May 1, 2019. Galloni pointed out the wine's "crushed red berries, blood orange, chalk and mint," which he felt gave the wine its "distinctive upper register." He acknowledged that while the 2016 vintage is "a bit slender," it compensates with its "energy, persistence and impeccable overall balance."

Similarly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, through reviewer EB, also rated it 93 on April 30, 2019. The review described the wine's nose as having "granite dust, tobacco leaf, crunchy cranberry and Bing cherry with soft potpourri touches." The palate was characterized as "earthy and minerally" with "soft, grainy tannins and a nuanced finish that segues from earth and swells into tart red fruits." Notably, only 329 cases of this wine were produced.

In summary, the 2016 Ernest Vineyards Cleary Ranch The Settler Pinot Noir is a well-regarded wine with a series of excellent reviews. The wine showcases a balance of vibrant fruit flavors and earthy, mineral undertones, making it a noteworthy choice for Pinot Noir enthusiasts.