Not sure if Le Clos is back to stay, that remains unclear, but here we have vintage two, in a row, after a long hiatus – and original winemaker Thomas Bachelder is firmly back in the saddle. After 20 months of aging this Pinot takes a bit to open as earthy, tarry and leathery notes take the lead – there is some dark fruit hiding in the background which needs a little time in glass to coax itself out. After an hour the dark fruit notes show in the form of black current / black cherry / along with baked rhubarb and strawberry pie filling ... After two and a half hours the sour side shows with red currants and cranberry – tannins soften and the finish is roles in some black cherry. Time to age about 5 to 7 years – that screwcap closure might give it a little longer.  Price: $44.95 – Rating: ****