Wiley Vineyard Pinot Noir

“Just nine miles from the ocean at an elevation of 152m and planted from 1972 on Franciscan sandstone. Native ferment in small fermenters and then gravity-fed to French and Hungarian barriques and 500-litre puncheons, 25% new. Derek Rohlffs both farms the vines and makes the wine. 250 cases. Some forest floor and citrus peel on the nose. Intriguing! Lovely freshness and delicacy with a hint of something floral – possibly lavender. Very pretty indeed. It’s fairly light so would need careful food matching. Salmon? Very slight sweet impression on the finish. Drink 2020–2025.” Score: 16.5/20

“The Wiley Vineyard is closer to the ocean than Signal Ridge and is even a bit cooler as a result, so the 2018 pinot noir here from Bravium comes in at a very refined 13.1 percent octane this year. The nose is more transparent than the Signal Ridge out of the blocks, offering up a beautiful bouquet of strawberries, cherries, beetroot, fresh thyme, a touch of orange zest, cloves, gentle smokiness and a gorgeous base of soil elements. On the palate the wine is bright, full- bodied, soil-driven and tangy, with a nice touch of youthful Mendocino weediness on the backend, suave tannins and outstanding focus and grip on the very long, balanced and complex finish. This will drink a few years ahead of the Signal Ridge bottling, but last every bit as long. First class juice! 2026-2055+.” Score: 93 Points