Newton’s 2002 Pinot Noir Unfiltered is sweeter and riper than the 2001, with less vegetal qualities. It offers hints of cinnamon and cloves along with underbrush notes. Medium-bodied and attractive, with sweet plum and cherry fruit, it should drink well for 5-6 years. Tel. (707) 963-9000; Fax (707) 963-5408

The 1997 Pinot Noir Unfiltered was made from only 2 tons of fruit from a 4-acre vineyard. Aromatically, the wine scores higher than my overall rating. Copious aromas of spice, herbs, sweet red fruits, and flowers, intermixed with smoky oak provide an attractive initial impression. There is good ripeness and complexity on the attack, but the wine then narrows out. Nevertheless, this is a fine debut release.All of the Newton wines are fermented with natural yeasts in order to obtain more complex aromatics. The malolactic fermentations take place in barrel to promote greater integration of wood, and to encourage more textural richness in the wines. All of the wines, including the Chardonnay, are bottled without filtration.Tel. (707) 963-9000; Fax (707) 963-5408