I admit I had low expectations of this wine, as most teen-dollar Pinots from California have zero Pinot character. But this wine is cherry-scented and ripe tomato-y, with terrific acidity and light herbaceous accents—in short, a personality in keeping with Pinot’s lineage.
The fruit derives from vineyards in Arroyo Seco and Paicines, in San Benedito. The body is a glinting garnet color with a clear rim, and the fragrance is like cherries muddled with rosemary and oregano. The palate issues a sharp attack of bitter herbs and black cherry, and the finish is all darkness, peppery and spiced, but not heavy. It’s a good deal, considering.
14.9% abv | $13 (sample)
