Giant Steps Pinot Noir Circle of Fifths 2024

96 Wine Spectator This is juicy up front, with generous notes of plum, cherry and blueberry, but the savory, umami thread of porcini, loamy earth and hinoki accents is what sets this wine apart. Herbal details of sage, bay leaf and palo santo, along with malty Assam, leave a strong impression on the finish, where the tannins firm up slightly. 

95 James Suckling This delicate and perfumed pinot is a blend of equal parts from five single-vineyard bottlings. Aromas of maraschino cherries, crushed stones, hibiscus, violets and flowers. The palate is mid-weighted with tightly wound tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of blackberry bushes, blueberries, red apple skins and spices.

92 Wine Advocate The 2024 Circle of Fifths Pinot Noir is so named because it features fruit from all five single vineyards—it also references a complex but interesting musical arrangement concept linked to John Coltrane, should one be so inclined to look it up (I did so, after pressing "play" on one of my favored Coltrane albums). The wine leads with rose petal perfume, cherry blossom, red apple, star anise, pomegranate, licorice and dried sage, with leather, tobacco and tapenade to close. In the mouth, there is a lot going on, yet I find the intersection of acidity and tannin through the finish to skew and occlude the flow of both thought and flavor. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. (EL)