2014 E16 Upper Bench Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.96, TA 0.48, 395 cases, $42. Sourced from Escolle Vineyard planted in 2008 to eleven Pinot Noir clones on five rootstocks. Pommard clone. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Exceptional aromatic presence with scents of cherry, dark strawberry, rose petal, pipe smoke and sweet oak. Ripe flavors of strawberry, black cherry and black raspberry are accented by tobacco oak and framed by suave tannins. Although the acidity is low, the wine does not come across as flabby. The finish is generous and shows some persistence. Score: 91. Reviewed September 7, 2016

Winery: E16 Wine Company
From article: Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay