93+ points Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate - August 2011

Issue #196

The Mount Eden 2009 Pinot Noir Estate opens with striking aromatics that lead to an expressive core of sweet red berries, crushed flowers, tobacco and spices. It is an impeccably balanced, refined wine loaded with class. In short, this is an American classic. The wine should be even better in another few years once the aromas flesh out. The Estate was not racked until it was prepared for bottling, which was done with no fining or filtration. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.

93 points Steve Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar - June 2011

Bright red. High-pitched aromas of redcurrant, cherry and Asian spices, with a sexy floral quality and slow-building smokiness. Fresh and incisive on the palate, offering tangy red fruit and mineral flavors that gain richness with air. A bitter cherry note comes up on the very long, focused, pure finish. Impessively balanced pinot.

93 points Allen Meadows Burghound - October 2011

Outstanding Here the floral nuances are more prominent than in the ’08 version with the same ripe, pure and strikingly perfumed red berry fruit nose that offers excellent complexity. There is more weight and density to the powerful, intense and mouth coating medium-bodied flavors that possess immaculate balance and wonderful length. This seamless effort will require a few years of cellar time before shedding its firm tannins and this should easily last for several decades.

91 points Wine & Spirits Magazine - October 2011

This historic pinot noir vineyard was established in 1945 by Martin Ray, using plant material Paul Masson had imported from Burgundy for his vineyard nearby.  The original vineyard was replanted during the 1990’s—20 percent of the vines propagated from the original bud wood, with the rest planted to Swan, Calera, 37 (A virus-free clone form the original Mount Eden selection), and some Dijon clones. That original bud wood is now the parent of California heritage clone of pinot noir, sought out for the kind of elegant and supple beauty this 2009 provides.  It builds on forest berry sweetness with a savory counterbalance, feeling cool and vital. A gracefull young wine to cellar.

91 points Decanter - June 2015

As usual, this wine is restrained and lean in its youth, yet vibrant and promising for the long term. Delicate floral aromas and pretty cherry fruit flavours, with a subtle herbal undercurrent. Transparent and focused. (Online)