May 2005 | 93+ points
“(picked via four separate passes through the vines) Very good ruby-red. Pungent, primary aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, minerals and bitter chocolate; distinctly blacker in fruit character than the other 2003 pinots at this address. Dense and sappy, with an urgent crushed berry quality, an element of baking spices, and terrific mouth coverage. Shows firm, juicy acidity for the year. This very tight wine went into a shell in the glass. Most impressive today on the back half, where the flavors build slowly and finish strong and the tannins are quite fine. A broad, dry, strong pinot with the structure to improve in bottle-and a worthy successor to the superb 2002.”
–Stephen Tanzer