I have had Loring before and enjoyed it. I admit that I favor bigger styled Pinots at least from this AVA. Or perhaps that is all I have been exposed to from this area. Nonetheless - it is Southern California - perhaps I am being a bit naive but it makes sense to work with what Mother Nature supplies. Thanks for the suggestions! I am trying to put together a blind tasting which which will include some sea smoke as well as some rochioli single vineyard wines. Just looking for some other wines.
With the exception of a single 02 and 03 I have only had 08 on. I can’t say I have noticed a huge change in style but honestly I didn’t compare those vintages at the same time. I may throw a Pommard into the tasting just to see if anyone can pick it out.
Good call on Sanford- the single vineyard stuff is really strong and doesn’t get a lot of talk. The Sanford stuff is really lush and rich but also well balanced. +1 on Clos Pepe and Arcadian. I also am really liking Tyler, and the Ojai Vineyards stuff- more of a leaner style that what the OP mentions but definitely plenty of flavor and depth.
A few I could recommend trying would be 2013 Rasi and 2012 Domaine de la Cote SRH. I had a Seasmoke Ten from 2008 earlier in the month that BLEW the table away. I recently had a few Siduris that spun my wheels: 2013 Siduri Cargasacchi as well as the 2013 Siduri Sta. Rita Hills and 2012 Siduri John Sebastiano that were all pretty amazing. Any of those wines would be a good try for you.
I am focusing on Sta. Rita myself. I am also focusing on Santa Maria, Anderson Valley and dabbling in Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge. It’s all been a good ride. Cheers!
Understood that it is cool in comparison to other areas of similar latitude or I suspect one could not successfully grow Pinot. But a long growing season should equate to longer hang time and phenolic ripeness. True?
I really enjoy working with the fruit from Santa Rita Hills area. The wines have an intensity and power that are very different than what we get on the Sonoma Coast and Russian River. Between Boswell and Bevan Cellars we work with seven different blocks at three different vineyards and each one has a different exposure, slope or soil profile. In barrel the wines are all distinctive and vibrant. We just released our first vintage and it has only further flamed our fires for the area.