From a great Sta. Rita Hills site, the 2017 Pinot Noir Bentrock was all destemmed and saw 16 months in 75% new French oak. It's similarly colored to the La Encantada release and offers lots of classic marine notes in its spiced blackberries, underbrush, leather, and truffle aromas and flavors. It's slightly more rounded and supple, has soft tannins, good freshness, and outstanding length. It has loads of character and I suspect will be best drunk before the La Encantada release.

Chocolate mousse and cocoa powder accents show in this well-structured version. Dark fruit and spice notes form the backbone, with a finish of savory spice and cream. Drink now through 2023. 297 cases made.

The 2017 Pinot Noir Bentrock is bright, focused and tense, with all of the energy that is found in so many Pinots from this site. Crushed flowers, white pepper, chalk, mint and red berry fruit all inform this energetic, finely sculpted Pinot from Alma Rosa. This is an especially ripe style for Bentrock, where the Pinots are often more nervous in feel. That is more of a stylistic consideration. There is no getting around the wine's beauty.

Pale ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Bentrock Vineyard gives aromas of dried red cherries and cranberries, licorice, black tea leaves, orange peel, underbrush and potpourri. It's light to medium-bodied with finely textured tannins and juicy acidity, finishing long.