Fresh and open aromas of strawberry sorbet, pomegranate and plum draw the nose into this bottling, but it's the black-tea and dewy pine-needle aspects that hold the attention. Tremendous energy bursts forth on the sip, full of incense and forest herbs that bolster the delicious wild, just-plucked cherry and other red-fruit flavors.

The base appellation release from this estate always seems to deliver the goods and the 2019 Pinot Noir Estate Sta. Rita Hills is no exception. Bright Rainier Cherry, sea salt, white flowers, and spice all define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a silky, elegant texture, soft tannins, and just a wonderful finish. I'd happily drink a bottle.

The 2019 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) is a very pretty wine. A healthy dollop of whole clusters (40%) lends striking aromatic depth in giving this mid-weight Pinot tons of complexity. Crushed flowers, mint, spice, pine and cedar all lift out of the glass. Silky and gracious to the core, this appellation Pinot is so expressive and inviting,