This is stunningly delicious, structurally complex and layered in aromas and flavors that continue to evolve. Sultry baked-black raspberry, chai cream and purple flowers invite the nose while the palate's Luxardo cherry, lilac candy, tarragon and charred meat elements achieve attention-grabbing harmony.

"The 2018 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 43 shows the more floral, lifted side of Bien Nacido, especially to the Block 8. Red berry fruit, chalk, mint, rose petal and white pepper give the Block 43 a distinctive upper range of brightness that works so well with its energetic, mid-weight personality. Light on its feet yet also deep, the 2018 is positively stellar." - Vinous

This has a bright, acid-driven frame but also packs some punch, with a well-built core of steeped raspberry and blackberry coulis flavors laced with anise, black tea and incense notes. The long finish features serious drive and a very suave gloss of toast, which augments—rather than coats—the fruit. Drink now through 2030. 670 cases made.

The 2019 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is a more broad, expansive wine, revealing medium to full-bodied richness and depth as well as velvety tannins. Offering lots of baked cherry fruit, notes of licorice, scorched earth, and roasted herbs, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish, it leans on its fruit and texture, yet doesn't have the precision of some of the other releases.

Pale ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 features scents of red cherries, potpourri, iodine and leather. The medium-bodied palate has delicate fruits, a chalky texture, bright freshness and appealing Angostura-like spices defining finish.