Lucienne Smith Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

97 (Best in Show), Decanter Wine Awards

This year’s exceptional Pinot Noir quartet is completed by this striking wine from the Santa Lucia Highlands — a long and scenically beautiful fillet of land lying on the landward side of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range next to the chill waters of Monterey Bay, and alternately fog-chilled and breeze-freshened during summer. The Pinot is dark and sweet-scented, with discreet spice and refined black cherry; there’s a peony allure to give it lift, too. It’s vivid and mouth-filling yet structured, poised and fresh, too: a Pinot that proves that the natural wealth which derives from California’s light and soils can work superbly in delivering Pinot of both nuance and sensual charm.

94 Points, Wine Enthusiast

Rich, opulent aromas of black-cherry cordial and caramel are thick but delicious on the nose of this bottling. Sandy tannins frame the creamy cherry and blackberry flavors, which are lifted by star anise and licorice accents and lead into an oaky finish.

93 Points, Josh Raynolds – Vinous

Vivid red. Vibrant red and blue fruit, candied rose and baking spice qualities on the incisive nose, which picks up a hint of smokiness with air. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, offering gently sweet raspberry and boysenberry flavors and allspice and cola topnotes. Shows excellent clarity and spicy thrust on the clinging finish, which is framed by smooth, harmonious tannins.