Sandhi Wines, Sta. Rita Hills (Central Coast, California) Pinot Noir 2021

 Sandhi Wines is one of the projects of famed sommelier-turned-winemaker Rajat Parr and fellow esteemed winemaker Sashi Moorman.  Their 2020 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is brooding for a Pinot.  Black fruit leaps out of the glass, with black plums and blackberries meeting anise, smoke, and petrichor.  While this Pinot is not without some heft, Raj’s signature zippy acidity maintains a fresh liveliness throughout, and the relatively moderate alcohol (at 13%) helps too.  On the (rather lengthy) finish, the wine’s black-fruit core is complimented by a dash of orange peel and bitter chocolate.  Pleasantly complex and eminently drinkable, this wine would sing when paired with lighter meats from the grill.