Patz & Hall, Pisoni Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2014

“The 2014 Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard is from the Santa Lucia Highlands. This sees 75% new French oak and has been one of the bright, shining stars of the portfolio for many years. The Pisoni Vineyard was, according to vineyard legend, planted with a suitcase clone from one of the most famous vineyards in Vosne-Romanée. This has a high amount of French oak (75%) because this is always the richest wine in the portfolio. The 2014 does possess a deeper, ruby/purple color, beautiful, opulent blackcurrant and brooding black fruit characteristics, with forest floor and a floral note followed by a full-bodied, sumptuous texture. This is a bigger wine, cutting a much deeper and larger swath across the palate, and should drink well for up to a decade or more.”-93WA, 2016-2026