Winemaker James MacPhail made this wine for the Hess portfolio, and it’s aged into a seductive beauty. On pop and pour, rich soy and subtle fruit aromas evolve with air, finding balance after about 20 minutes in the glass. The palate still carries lively acidity, and translates the black cherry, dry earth and umami character with style, finishing long with deep complexity. It’s a low alcohol wine for its era — 13.9% — and presents a medium body that suits the flavor mix nicely. Still available at K&L Wine merchants at a nice price for a well-aged, elegant lady.
Sequana, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Pinot Noir 2009
By Rich Cook