A strong followup to the excellent 2005, Amisfield’s 2006 Pinot Noir seems riper and weightier, marrying dark black cherry and plum fruit with hints of chocolate and spice cake. Finishes with soft tannins and a slightly dusty feel. Drink now–2015. — J.C.

Very good intensity to berry, black cherry and roast duck flavors, with plenty of cedary oak and stony notes extending through the taut, tannic finish. Needs time to show its best. Best from 2009 through 2012. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 3,500 cases imported. –DS

Bright medium red. Good spicy lift to the precise red berry and floral aromas. Sappy and energetic in the mouth, with lovely verve to the raspberry and spice flavors. This boasts lovely pinot fruit and sneaky intensity. Finishes lively and gripping but pliant, with excellent energy. On this occasion I preferred this basic release to the winery's more expensive RKV bottling.

The 2006 Pinot Noir displays a plum-scented nose with touches of mulberry and damson, full-bodied on the palate but I feel is just a touch over-worked with a grainy, peppery finish. I think there will be superior Pinot Noirs from Amisfield in the future, but there is no doubt that Jeff Sinnott is on the right track.

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