Hess Select, Central Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2012

This delicious, high-value-per-dollar wine shows an open, expressively fruity nose with dark cherry fruit notes in the lead, but also a savory character that rides right behind the fruit notes.  Pure and fresh but not obvious or simple, the wine’s oak influence is quite minimal, but there’s a definite spice note in the background that lends added interest.  Admirable for its lack of overt sweetness, but still very generous in terms of fruit, this shows essentially perfect balance between fruit and freshening acidity, with very delicate but nevertheless spine-lending tannins.  Platinum award winner at the 2014 San Diego International Wine Competition.