Red berries, smoky black tea, high-toned herbal essences, as well as hints of lavender sachet, tar and black pepper that put me in mind a bit of a Southern French Syrah rise rivetingly from the glass of Aberrant Cellars 2009 Pinot Noir Carpe Noctum. But the tenderness of texture; brightness of red berries; and the sense of levity on display here are all Pinot (and all, it seems, virtues characteristically showcased at this address). Deep marrow and pan scrapings mingle with the juicy red fruits in a long, mouthwateringly savory finish. I suspect that this Pinot will reward renewed visits in the course of the coming decade.

Sweetly ripe cherry is tinged with sandlewood and nutmeg in a fetching nose and ultra-juicy, palpably extract-rich, polished but firm palate. A strong aura of sea-shell reduction with subtle smoke and iodine tinge all serve toward this wine's intrigue, en route to a long, mouthwatering finish. I suspect this outstanding value will perform admirably through 2018+

Tightly wound, with spicy, licorice-accented blackberry flavors playing against fine, firm tannins. The finish lingers easily. Best from 2012 through 2017.

Bright ruby. Candied blackberry and cherry-vanilla on the nose, with notes of potpourri and allspice adding complexity. Deeply pitched dark fruit flavors show surprising energy and gain spiciness on the back half. Quite suave and velvety, with alluring oak spice notes that carry through a long, sweet, subtly smoky finish. Lots of immediate appeal here but this has the depth to reward some aging.

Bright ruby. A perfumed bouquet displays red berries, cherry compote, sassafras and cola, with a mocha nuance gaining strength with air. Supple and expansive pinot, offering musky cherry and red berry flavors and a touch of smoky herbs. Fine-grained tannins add shape and grip to the nicely persistent, subtly spicy finish.

This is also restrained and even more elegant with ultrapure aromas of raspberry and cherry plus bass notes of earth and briar. There is also really lovely purity to the refined, intense and precise medium-bodied flavors that possess fine phenolic ripeness on the delicious and long if ever-so-slightly grapey finish.