This wine was the panel favorite at my Monday night blind tasting group, and for good reason. Lower alcohol, moderate new oak usage, classic Santa Rita Hills funky dam earth aromas that recede with some time in the glass, leaving an evolving expression of red fruit, powder, roses and subtle pie spice. After an hour in the glass it really showed its stuff, so give it a good decant, or pour a glass and enjoy the progression — or do both! A new producer to me, and one I’ll be following up with.
Pence, Santa Barbara County (California) Pinot Noir 2014
By Rich Cook