Thankfully, the finish is longer than the name.
Medium dark ruby color. The aromas offer black raspberries and some cherry, with hints of black pepper and thyme. This is a big wine on the palate, surprisingly mouth-coating, soft but harmonious. The texture is not what I expect from Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir but a pleasure. The flavors follow the aromas, with hints of both mineral and earth.
I love Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir, in part because of the conifer element I usually find. This does not have it. It is a big, bold wine (I’m questioning the 12.5% alcohol on the label, although it is not alcoholic on the palate). Not what I expected but a wonderful wine nonetheless; intense, balanced, striking. Does not need age to shed acidity or tannin, but just beginning to show secondary aromas and flavors. Rated 91.8 tonight, 2 - 3 points of improvement possible. I’m thinking this will peak in 3 – 5 years. I’m thinking I’m going to get a few more bottles and find out.
Dan Kravitz
