2012 Patz & Hall Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 550 cases, $90. Released March 2015. An iconic vineyard site that is the benchmark for the Santa Lucia Highlands. Grapes are sourced from Pisoni’s coveted “old field,” planted in the early 1980s. Wild and cultured fermentations, 10% whole clusters, aged in 100% French oak barrels, 75% new. Aged an additional year in bottle. Unfined and unfiltered. · Dark violet color in the glass. Deeply perfumed with aromas of black raspberry and cassis. Always the biggest and “baddest” wine in the Patz & Hall lineup, this full-bodied, gorgeous wine is fully structured and packs a wallop of purple and black berry fruits. The finish is ridiculously generous. Not a timid wine, but it still reflects the Pisoni Vineyard terroir. Score: 93. Reviewed July 12, 2015

Winery: Patz & Hall
From article: Many Very Good to Extraordinary California Pinot Noirs Tasted Recently