Vintage Chart

A small cuvée of 75 cases, this is the first iteration of a charitable bottling from Mount Eden Vineyards. A portion of proceeds for the 2017 Pinot Noir The Tanaka Project will go to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), a cause I fully support. Vinified in the same way as the estate Pinot, it offers a rich layering of aromas: blood orange, cranberry, licorice and exotic, amaro-like spices, all with a seamless undercurrent of earthy nuances. The palate is layered and inviting, with a grainy, fresh structure and long, spiced finish. —E. B

Editors Choice

This bottling is a personal one for the Patterson family, dedicated to funding suicide prevention after the loss of their friend Ron Tanaka. The wine offers hearty aromas of blistered plum, funky mushroom and hints of dried seaweed and iodine on the nose. The palate also reflects those savory seashore elements along with touches of dried cranberry and mulberry touches. It’s built for aging, so drink now through 2032. —M.K.

The 2017 Pinot Noir The Tanaka Project is a small three-barrel lot from one vineyard planted in 2010 and dedicated to the memory of Ron Tanaka, a family friend, artist and English professor who died by suicide. A portion of the proceeds will go to suicide prevention. Elegant, silky and polished, the 2017 has so much to offer. The natural richness of the vintage comes through, but, at the same time, an underlying spine of tannin and acid gives the wine a palpable sense of direction. Cedar, licorice, star anise and blood orange add attractive exotic accents.

Notes of cedar and wild spice accent the ripe, well-knit red berry, boysenberry and dark plum flavors. Coffeeberry accents chime in on the broad and juicy finish. Drink now through 2024. –KM