Talley Vineyards, San Luis Obispo Coast (Central Coast, California) Pinot Noir Estate Grown 2021 ($40)

Bill Talley and his family have focused on Pinot Noir from their inaugural 1986 vintage onward. This version is from 4 blocks on the family’s certified sustainable vineyards. The vintage of 2021 was unusually cool, even by the Central Coast standards. And as a result, this Pinot Noir is especially bright, silky, and subtle. After being fermented in small open top bins with native yeast, the wine was aged in 30% new French oak barrels for 13 months before being bottled without fining or filtration. Light in color, it offers raspberry and floral aromas that expand in the glass. Velvety and subtle in mouthfeel, it has youthful flavors of cherries, berries, and cinnamon that expand and glide over the palate. Ready now, but it will remain attractive through 2028 or so.
92 Norm Roby