Cirq Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill 2016 750ml

Cirq is the Russian River Valley project of Michael Browne, co-founder of Kosta Browne, dedicated to small-lot Pinot Noir from a handful of prized sites, and Bootlegger's Hill is one of its two vineyard bottlings. Vinous called the 2016 "the more powerful and structured of the two Pinots" in the range. An even, balanced season gave kirsch, black cherry and dark stone fruit with wildflowers, spice, licorice and a forest-floor savor, in a medium- to full-bodied frame with sweet but substantial tannins. Jeb Dunnuck also praised its floral and earthy character. With nearly a decade in bottle, the tannins have relaxed; enjoy it now through the early 2030s.