Patz & Hall, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2010

There is always much talk in the wine industry about the benefit of old vines. Patz & Hall’s Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir could make the case for young vines, for this relatively new vineyard was planted in 2000 by longtime viticulturist Charlie Chenoweth. Maybe what it really says is that the site of the vineyard is inherently more important than the age of the vines. This is a stunning vintage from this rapidly emerging vineyard, which may well be the best Pinot site in the entire Patz & Hall stable. While a bit high in alcohol-by-volume (it’s pushing 15 percent) the 2010 Chenoweth Ranch Pinot exhibits exquisite balance and layers of ripe red fruits, with a floral nuance and notes of spice. This is one eye-popping New World Pinot that is sure to wow the most discriminating palates.