93 Points, James Suckling
Balanced, silky with focused acidity.
Drink now or cellar as many bottles as you can. You will be rewarded.
VINEYARDS
Two distinctly unique vineyards, that benefit from high elevation and proximity to the coast. Coast Grade, on the western side, in the heart of Bonny Doon, and Black Ridge, located more inland above Lexington Reservoir, each experience drastic diurnal shifts within their respective microclimates.
WINEMAKING NOTES
Fermented separately in small open-top fermenters with gentle punch-downs. Maintained at moderate temperatures until dry, basket-pressed and racked to 30% new French oak barrels for 12 months.
VINTAGE
The culmination of factors from another drought year in California surprised most with a beautiful vintage. An unseasonably dry and mild winter, which led to an early spring, forced the vines into bud break during peak frost season. A relatively warm, but even summer, resulted in early harvest dates, with lower-than-average yields.
Vintage: 2021
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains
Aging: 30% new French oak barrels for 12 months
Brix: 24.5
pH: 3.56
TA: 5.5 g/L
Alcohol: 14.3%
92 Points
Aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
New Release
A ferociously fun Napa Valley blend with depth, balance and big flavor. Aromas of red currant, fresh strawberries, black plum, vanilla, and notes of cocoa on the nose. The palate is bursting with fruit ranging from cherries, mixed berry compote, toasted hazelnut and more. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
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