Cru Wine Company, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Pinot Noir 2012

Appropriately light in color, this wine shows its varietal delicacy right away, but also proves quite expressive in aromatic terms.  Fresh scents of red cherries and wild strawberries are very appealing, and the flavors follow suit, with excellent acidity and just the right amount of tannins to offer grip and definition to the finish.  Juicy and sweet but also focused and structured, this is an exemplary rendition of California Pinot Noir at an extremely attractive price.  Platinum award winner at the 2015 San Diego International Wine Competition.