Ortman Family Vineyards, Sta. Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County) Pinot Noir 2008

Ortman’s Turner Vineyard Pinot exhibits plenty of ripe fruit, but would benefit from another year or two in the cellar to tame the slight bite on the back end, which I imagine is the result of fermenting with the stems. That doesn’t mean this isn’t a wonderful wine from one of California’s sweet spots for Pinot Noir; merely that it will be more enjoyable to drink in another year or two. This vintage exhibits dark fruits and spice, with a sensual floral note that all alone would be worth the price of admission!