Pietra Santa Signature Collection Pinot Noir Cienega Valley 2011
Deep ruby red color. The nose is complex and multilayered offering waves of mineral notes with a dense berry center and accents of wild flowers, heather, black pepper, and toasted oak. The palate fully concurs delivering a concentrated, fruit-forward core with plenty of tart cherry notes to match the sweet raspberry and strawberry flavors. The rich fruit core is framed by toasted oak, brown baking spices, and omnipresent mineral notes. A generous dose of fresh acidity keeps this Pinot fresh and alluring. It finishes with mild tannins and a pretty spice melange. Please decant this wine and allow it to breathe for 30 minutes to reveal its many charms. $35 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Route 152 Pinot Noir Central Coast 2012
Bright ruby red color. The aromatics feature ripe and vibrant notes of raspberry with sweet red cherry and wild strawberries supported by barrel notes that included allspice, black pepper, and cardamon with hints of vanilla. The palate confirms the nose delivering a lush but crisp mouthfeel dominated by a ripe fruit core with flanking notes of spice, oak, and subtle earth tones. Ideally balanced with lingering tart berry and oak flavors. This is an undisputed “Best Buy” and perhaps the greatest Pinot value I have ever encountered. $10 – 5 Stars – 97 points
