2010 Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir

From one of the top sites in Anderson Valley, the 2010 Pinot Noir Cerise is rich, layered and exceptionally beautiful. Dark red cherries, herbs and licorice all take shape in the glass. Gamy and savory notes are front and center. The 2010 is a bit rustic at times. It will be interesting to see how the wine responds with further bottle age. Despite its considerable appeal, the Cerise appears to be a little less polished than the Demuth. There is no shortage of personality here. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Knez is a new project being headed by proprietor Peter Knez and winemaker Anthony Filiberti of Anthill Farms. The wines are made with native yeasts and see fairly low levels of new oak, around 30-35%, in other words, very much the same style Filiberti pursues at Anthill. Based on these three wines, it certainly appears Knez is one of the most exciting new entrants on the Sonoma Coast. It will be interesting to see where things go in the coming years, especially as Knez’s Estate vineyard in Anderson Valley comes online with the 2012 harvest. Tel. (707) 895-3494

Vivid red. High-pitched aromas of redcurrant, black raspberry and potpourri, with a deeper note of licorice adding a serious quality. Muscular but light on its feet, offering nervy red and dark berry flavors that expand and deepen with air. A spicy nuance carries through the very long, seductively sweet finish. (JR)

A discreet touch of wood frames slightly more complex aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, spice and floral hints. There is a fine sense of vibrancy to the slightly fuller and more concentrated medium-bodied flavors that also possess a dry, clean and well-balanced finish. There is good length and if this is able to add a bit more depth in bottle my score may be overly conservative.