Patz & Hall’s Pisoni Vineyard Pinot from the excellent 2012 vintage is the perfect marriage of brilliant winemaker and brilliant grape grower. Winemaker James Hall is on his way to legendary status in California wine, and grape grower Gary Pisoni’s namesake vineyard is an American treasure, one of the finest Pinot Noir vineyards in the New World and certainly a worthy rival for the grand cru vineyards of Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits. This blockbuster is rich and powerful yet in perfect balance. Aromas of blackberry, black raspberry and blueberry dominate, with a subtle earth note in the background and enough bright acidity to balance the sweetness of the fruit. On the palate it is mouth-coating and persistent, with a finish that lingers and expands beyond the imagination. This is a magical wine from two of the California wine industry’s most talented contributors.
Patz & Hall, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County) Pinot Noir 2012
By Robert Whitley