2005 Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 375ml

Medium red. Wild, gamey and exotic, offering ripe cherry, cassis and blueberry scents, along with an exotic lashing of cocoa powder and anise. Solid bitter cherry and dark chocolate flavors gain sweetness in the glass, slowly revealing a sweet raspberry preserve quality. Impressively persistent, deeply flavored wine offering striking finishing intensity.

• 93 points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

2005 Fiddlestix Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 375ml

Opaque purple. High-pitched blackberry and cherry aromas are complemented by notes of violet and dried rose, along with a smoky undertone. Fleshy and smooth, with sweet red and dark berry flavors and gentle tannins. Gains depth with air and finishes with good grip and a building note of sexy, sweet oak spices. 

• 91 Points, Steven Tanzer

Greenish-yellow color. Pungent pineapple, tangerine and peach aromas are complicated by smoky minerals and brown spices. Rich and weighty but energetic too, offering sweet citrus and tropical fruit flavors and a chewy texture. Nervier on the finish, which features a note of lemon peel and very good clarity and persistence. 

• 93 Points, Robert Parker