This is an interesting Pinot Noir in the 20 dollar range, and a great value.  The winery was bought by Cecil De Loach in the mid 1990's, upgraded, and then came back to market as an ultra-premium Pinot, marketed in the 100 dollar range.  Not long after, the De Loach empire went into financial skids, and subsequently bankrupt.  As various assets were sold off, eventually th Hartwell Lane Winery was put on the auction block and sold in the last few years.  The wines that were already released were sort of caught in-limbo, and currently the 2001 has found it's way into the marketplace, selling for 20-30 dollars.  In a blind tasting, I bet it could beat many of the mid 40 dollar Pinots from the central Coast.  The wine has a smoky, mocha, earthy nose and a blackberry-cherry palate.  The finish is smooth, with well integrated tannin.  It is much better than the 2000 vintage.  The wine is entirely ready to drink now.  Most Pinot's currently on the market do not have this much bottle age.  Buy up, and drink now.

Purchased for $21.95 at the San Diego Wine Company at the Eastgate mall, off Miramar Road near I-805.  The wine is also available for a slightly higher price at Wine Street in Carlsbad.

3.75 stars.