Had this with friend Rui Novais of Porto at Mendocino Grille last night. Must write therefore from memory, but it's a good memory. Seemed to me classic Pinot fruit which leans toward the strawberry plus black cherry in my view. There was considerable vanilla oak and "forest floor" in the mix and not much tannin; acid level quite good and sustaining a good finish with no rough edges. It paired very nicely with a NY strip steak that was delicious in its own right. Pinot is not my favorite wine though partly that's due to price/quality ratio being higher than for grenache and even cabernet. Still this was highly pleasurable. I'd guess it'll be good for another 5-6 years. 90+ points from me. Note below the disparity between Parker and Wine Spectator; I split the difference apparently.
Parker gives it 92:
The 2007 Pinot Noir Carter Vineyard is from a 1983 planting. Lovely aromas of smoke, spice, underbrush, incense, and black cherry lead to a round, velvety, sweetly fruited Pinot with enough structure and balance to evolve for 2-3 years. It should provide pleasure from 2012 to 2022.
89 from WS:
Tangy, with firm tannins around a juicy core of peppery raspberry and cherry flavors, lingering on the vibrant finish. Drink now through 2013. 1,317 cases made. –HS
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