Patz & Hall

• 1 Bottle (750 ml) each of 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Patz & Hall "Hyde Vineyard"

Pinot Noir, Carneros

#31 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2013 - 95 (2010)

With its super-dense character and palate-coating tannins, this wine is one of the stunners of the vintage, and definitely one of our most age-worthy bottlings from 2010. The aromas are deep and brooding, with intense spicy cranberry, cherry and fennel notes, as well as elements of brine and fleur de sel. Though 2010 was a cool vintage overall, two heat events acted like a natural saignée, underscoring the wine's power and extract. And while there is excellent natural acid, it plays a supporting role, framing this Pinot's ample weight. A tour de force!

RP 95 (2009): The 2009 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard had 15% whole-clusters and 14.2% alcohol, which was lower than the two previous wines. The wine has a dense ruby/plum color to the rim, a killer nose of red and black fruits, along with forest like notes, white flowers and spice. It was long, rich, full-bodied, opulent and a terrific example of Pinot Noir. This had the same clonal mix as the 2008. This is a younger, deeper wine than the 2008 and seems to have at least another decade of aging potential.