STEPHEN TANZER’S INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR, JULY/AUGUST 2014

2012 Bethel Heights Vineyard Aeolian Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills – 92

Brilliant ruby. High-pitched, mineral-laced red and dark berry scents are complemented by notes of cola, anise and vanilla bean. Silky and open-knit on entry, offering sweet black raspberry and rose pastille flavors that tighten up with air and pick up an exotic blood orange nuance. Shows excellent clarity and lift on the finish, which is framed by silky tannins.

2012 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Casteel Eola-Amity Hills – 92

Ruby-red. Intense mineral- and spice-accented aromas of red berries, cherry pit and fresh rose, with a hint of cola building with air. Shows excellent clarity and power in the mouth, offering sappy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a suave touch of spicecake. Finishes with a snap of juicy acidity, supple tannins and strong floral persistence.

2012 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Estate Eola-Amity Hills – 90

Bright red. Spicy black raspberry and cherry pit on the nose, with notes of white pepper and allspice adding complexity. Juicy and focused, offering cherry and dark berry flavors with a touch of medicinal bitterness. Turns sweeter with air and shows very good clarity on the finish, which is firmed by dusty, fine-grained tannins that fold smoothly into the wine’s fruit.

2011 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Carter Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills – 91

Brilliant ruby-red. Pungent dark berries, cherry pit and licorice on the nose, with subtle herb and earth nuances adding complexity. Sappy and focused, offering bitter cherry and blackberry flavors and a touch of spicecake on the back half. Finishes with strong tangy cut, a touch of cola and echoing dark berry and allspice qualities.

2011 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills – 90

Brilliant ruby-red. High-pitched redcurrant, cherry and floral scents are complemented by suggestions of anise and succulent herbs. Lively and precise on the palate, offering tangy red fruit and bitter chocolate flavors that unwind slowly, picking up sweetness and a hint of five-spice powder. Chewy tannins firm the finish, which lingers with very good focus and vivacity.

2011 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Southeast Block Eola-Amity Hills – 91

Intense red berry and cherry pit aromas are complicated by anise, woodsmoke and musky underbrush. Appealingly sweet raspberry and rose pastille flavors are firmed by juicy acidity, picking up a peppery nuance with aeration, along with a touch of bitter herbs. Closes sappy, focused and quite long, with firming tannins building slowly and evenly.

2011 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Flat Block Eola-Amity Hills – 90

Ruby-red. Aromas of dried cherry, redcurrant and peppery spices, with notes of licorice and musky earth adding depth. On the palate, incisive bitter cherry and licorice flavors are given spine by juicy acidity and unfold slowly with air. Becomes steadily sweeter on the nicely focused finish, which is firmed by fine- grained tannins.