93 Antonio Galloni - Vinous

"The 2014 Pinot Noir Picnic Block is bold, powerful and beautifully resonant on the palate. Succulent red cherry and plum fruit is nicely pushed forward, with pretty floral and savory notes that add striking aromatic complexity. There is lovely depth and texture to this pungent, racy Pinot Noir from Bob and Jim Varner. Beams of tannin underpin the subtle yet persistent, structured finish."

92 William Kelley - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2014 Pinot Noir Picnic Block isn't as high-toned as the Upper Picnic Block bottling, offering up deeper-pitched aromas of smoky black fruits, rich soil and pencil shavings that show a touch more oak influence too. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, rich and ample, with a succulent core of dark fruit, melting tannins and a generous, lavish attack. It's a lovely Pinot Noir, cut from quite gourmand cloth this year, but it's not quite on the level of the Upper Picnic Block, so I can well understand why the Varner brothers chose to separate them."