This wine is showing its youth and needs a bit of time for the oak to fully integrate. The wait should be worthwhile, though, as all the other elements are peeking out from behind the tree, waiting for their chance to take the lead. Cherry, strawberry, rhubarb, mild spice and cardamom will come forward with a couple of years of bottle age. If this is your price range and you’ve got the cellar space, I’d go for it.
La Pitchoune Winery, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2012
By Rich Cook