date:Sep 19, 2012
Silver Oak empire a capability with Pinot Noir that should prompt jealousy among the other Napa names in Anderson Valley, whose efforts can taste like rancid maple syrup in comparison. It's stylish and a touch sweet, but also subtle with its aromas of sweet bayberry and thyme. Clean and light-footed, this is (admittedly spendy) Pinot with great class.
2010 Navarro Methode a L'Ancienne Anderson Valley Pinot Noir ($29, 14.1%): Navarro's benchmark edition is a bit wonky in 2010, perhaps a sign of