"The 2021 Proprietary Red Wine is based on 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It has lots of the classic 2021 density and depth and is full-bodied, with ample ripe black cherries, currants, flowery incense, chocolate, and sandalwood. Complex and beautifully textured, it has ripe tannins and a great finish. This classic Napa Valley red blend will be loved by readers, and while I suspect it will evolve for a decade, I see no reason to delay gratification."
- Jeb Dunnuck, December 23, 202394
"This Bordeaux-style blend is elegant, approachable and packed with beautiful black fruit. Black cherries, blueberries and hints of mint and bay leaves are wrapped in fine-grained tannins for a sleek texture. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 25% cabernet franc. it's a new product from Schrader. Drink or hold." - James Suckling, June 1, 2024
"Wonderful aromas of fresh herbs, such as sage and mint. Currants. Extremely aromatic. Full body. Fantastic tension and focus. Reminds me of the 1974. Really exceptional. Gorgeous. Cool and sleek."
— James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, February 14, 202092
"Very solid, with a direct beam of steeped black currant and plum fruit, carried by hits of loam and black licorice. A loamy note mingles with the fruit through the broad finish, while light herb and singed alder hints check in. Best from 2021 through 2031."
— J.M., Wine Spectator, November 15, 2020
"The 2023 Lingua Franca Anvi Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, matured for 11 months in 25% new French oak, beautifully captures the refinement of a balanced vintage. The wine opens with a bouquet of ripe red plum, blood orange peel, crushed pomegranate, and wild rose, accented by soft traces of cinnamon bark and bergamot tea. On the palate, it moves with polished ease - supple tannins and brisk acidity give lift to notes of black cherry, iron shavings, steeped Darjeeling, and forest spice. There's a subtle undercurrent of earth and crushed stone, grounding the wine's fruit-forward energy with savory dimension. As it evolves, the texture deepens, with hints of clove and dried herb unfolding into a long, silky finish that lingers with clarity and poise."
— International Wine Report94
"Bright ruby, the 2023 Pinot Noir Avni is an excellent appellation wine out of the gate, boasting ripe cherries, red roses, brambly earth, and delicate gamey undertones. Medium-bodied, with ripe tannins, balanced acidity, and considerable length, this is a highly appealing Pinot to drink now or over the next 8-10 years."
— Jeb Dunnuck92
"The 2023 'Avni' Pinot Noir comes from roughly 20 different sites throughout the Willamette Valley. This saw a small amount of whole cluster fermentation. Orange zest combines with salted cranberry and shades of volcanic soils on the nose. The palate is round and big on the mouth with serious texture and reminded tannins. Generous and round, enjoy this outstanding bottling over the next eight to ten years."
— Owen Bargreen
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate sees 25% new oak, with 25% whole cluster inclusion, and pours a jeweled ruby hue. Super expressive on the nose, with notes of framboise, wild herbs, rosemary, and dusty earth, the palate takes on more iron richness in its texture and profile, with ripe fruit and tannins and an even spine of acidity. It will do well over the next 8-10 years. It retains wonderful purity but has the stuffing to last. 1500 cases produced."
— Jeb Dunnuck95
"A compelling, multilayered red, with lilting raspberry and cherry flavors that expand to reveal fresh violet and earthy mineral accents, which build tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032. 1,698 cases made."
— Wine Spectator95
"Deeply perfumed and showing off its rich hue in the glass, the 2021 Lingua Franca 'Lingua Franca Estate' Pinot Noir is a total knockout wine from this hotter vintage. The nose is filled with beautiful black florals with shades of black truffle, gunpowder, flint and kumquat rind notes that all take shape in the glass. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture. This shows good elegance but also a great concentration of red and dark fruit flavors, with stony and herbal accents. Considering the stuffing and underlying finesse I can see this easily being a 20 year wine. Drink 2023-2043."
— Dr. Owen Bargreen93
"Another beautifully put-together Pinot Noir from the Lingua Franca estate vineyard. A riper vintage shows robust and rich aromatics that are balanced by elegance across the palate. Notes of violet, dusty black cherry and gravelly minerality mark the aromatics. The palate is lushly fruited, with dark red and blue fruits, but is framed by a graceful structure and with a long stony mineral finish."
— Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter90
"Boysenberries and savory roasted meat aromas are quite a one-two punch. Touches of worn leather and orange peel are mere bonuses. The tannins of this wine are grippy, providing a bit of chewiness to the texture. Red raspberries and cherries meld with flavors of strong black tea and a trace of wet slate."
— Wine Enthusiast
"Packed with very ripe flavors, 15.5% stated alcohol, and plenty of coconut-scented oak riding atop its mostly black-toned fruit. Notable sweetness helps balance out the 35% new oak and buffers the wine's tannin load, resulting in a very big wine with forgivingly soft texture."
— Michael Franz, Tasting Panel, July 2025
"Packed with very ripe flavors, 15.5% stated alcohol, and plenty of coconut-scented oak riding atop its mostly black-toned fruit. Notable sweetness helps balance out the 35% new oak and buffers the wine's tannin load, resulting in a very big wine with forgivingly soft texture."
— Michael Franz, Tasting Panel, July 2025
"Packed with very ripe flavors, 15.5% stated alcohol, and plenty of coconut-scented oak riding atop its mostly black-toned fruit. Notable sweetness helps balance out the 35% new oak and buffers the wine's tannin load, resulting in a very big wine with forgivingly soft texture."
— Michael Franz, Tasting Panel, July 2025
