A fine value Pinot Noir from Tim Slater and the team at Sarah’s Vineyard, utilizing a mix of clones — 667, 777, 115 and “DRC” — that play well together here, delivering black cherry, brown spice and faint balsamic aromas and flavors in style, riding the line between plush and pucker perfectly. I’d lean toward a grilled sirloin with this one. As always, quality construction.
Sarah’s Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley (Central Coast, California) Pinot Noir 2016
By Rich Cook