The Wagner family of Napa Valley was one of the pioneers at producing a variety of quality wines from the Monterey Valley, specifically Santa Maria Valley and the Santa Lucia Highlands. This wine to me is typical of the best Pinots of those regions – densely fruited yet not heavy, with rounded flavors of Luxardo cherries (best sampled in Manhattans) and with hints of earthiness and mellow smoke – a bit brooding in a good way. Very smooth, with good volume and mild tannins.
Belle Glos, Santa Maria Valley (Central Coast, California) Pinot Noir 2021
By Roger Morris