Estate Bottled Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

This particular bottle was purchased at the winery during our visit back in 2019. We were fortunate considering they rarely host visitors due to the size of their operation. Popped and poured, the 2005 Estate appears a dark translucent garnet, slightly hazy and browning just a touch on the rim. Medium+ intensity with a huge nose of bruised strawberries, sun-ripened bramble fruit and mushrooms. Some VA is present but this is not unusual from this producer. With additional air, the nose becomes even more complex with tomato leaf and coniferous forest floor. On the palate, this is bursting with ripe fruit confirming the bruised strawberry and brambles though most on the dried end of the spectrum with baking spices in a combination reminiscent of fruit cake. Some leather and mushrooms present as well. The finish is dry, saline and so, so long with a sort of Blood orange thing going that’s wonderfully compelling. High acid. Medium (+) tannin. Pair very well with dry rubbed grilled chicken. While this should easy see it’s 20th birthday it’s simply fantastic right now and fully mature.