2013 Windy Oaks Estate Pinot Noir Special Release Schultze Family Vineyard - USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains (11/17/2025)
– decanted 1.75 hrs. before initial taste –
– tasted non-blind over 3.25 hrs. –
NOSE: moderately expressive; ripe red fruits with a savory bent; sweet oak.
BODY: dark ruby color of medium-shallow depth; clear; hint of bricking at the edges; medium to medium-full bodied.
TASTE: smooth; oaky; medium to medium+ acidity; red-fruited; alc. pokes through (13.7%); oaky/bitter red currant; not huge, but still clearly CA; ripe. Bought this at the winery 8 years ago for $95; it was one of their most “premium” bottlings. It has been stored in ideal conditions since purchase. Quite frankly, it has not improved with age, and I don’t anticipate more age will bring any magic. Would not rebuy at the price I paid. It’s good, but it’s just not my preferred style — nothing about this is particularly interesting. Gut: mid to high 80s. Drink Now and over the near term.