2016 Waxwing Lester Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 49 cases, $65. Vineyard planted in 1998 on a sandy loam hillside bordered by redwoods. Nearly dry farmed and sustainably farmed by Prudy Foxx. Clone 115. A two barrel selection of the richest wines from this vineyard. 100% destemmed, 5-day cold soak in open-top fermenters, aged 15 months in once-used French oak barrels. Bottled with a light filtration. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of darker berries, spice and nutty oak open the way to a mid weight plus styled wine featuring tasty flavors of well-ripened black raspberry, blackberry and black currant. Plenty of fruit to satisfy with a healthy tannic backbone, a complimentary oak thread, and a friendly finish. More engaging when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed April 15, 2018

Winery: Waxwing Wine Cellars
From article: Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay