"Intense and vibrant, with focused notes of rich, zesty raspberry puree, blackberry, black licorice and pomegranate, easing into the plush texture. Drink now through 2020. 600 cases made. –JL"
- Wine Spectator (May 31st 2013), 91 pts
- Wine Spectator (May 31st 2013), 91 pts
"A big step up and a beautiful 2011 from the Santa Rita Hills, the 2011 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard has a supple, seamless profile that's hard to resist. Exhibiting plenty of sweet cherries, blackberry, spice, toast and hints of licorice, it flows onto the palate with a medium-bodied, rich and textured mouthfeel that keeps you coming back to the glass. Slightly hedonistic, with an upfront feel, it will delight over the coming 4-5 years. Drink now-2018."
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (Issue #208, August 2013), 92 pts
"The 2013 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard has the expected spice, dried earth and savoriness to go with plenty of raspberry fruit, cigar wrapper and underbrush-like nuances that come through more on the palate. Medium-bodied, forward, supple and with hints of dry tannin, it lacks some mid-palate depth and length, but still has lots to like. - Jeb Dunnuck"
- eRobertParker.com (November 2014), 87-89 pts
"A more restrained style from Brian Loring, this conveys aromas of plump blackberry and plums surrounding a line of licorice. The palate is a bit thicker, with black cherry flavors lifted by bergamot-like citrus skins and chopped herbs. - Matt Kettmann"
- Wine Enthusiast (August 1st 2015), 90 pts
- Wine Spectator (August 31st 2015), 91 pts
"Bright ruby. An explosively perfumed bouquet presents red fruit preserves, incense, minerals and wisteria. Stains the palate with intense raspberry liqueur and floral pastille flavors that are lifted and sharpened by a piquant mineral nuance. Rich but also lively and focused, showing excellent finishing thrust and cling and silky, shapely tannins. This sexy pinot is delicious now but has the depth and balance to age. - Josh Raynolds"
- Wine Enthusiast (August 1st 2015), 90 pts
"Dense and focused on a core of dusty blackberry, wild berry, underbrush and loamy earth notes. The flavors build and gain depth, firming on the finish. Drink now through 2022. — J.L."
- Wine Spectator's Insider (January 20th 2016), 92 pts