2014 Hanzell Ambassador’s 1953 Vineyard Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., $145. 8 barrels produced, 4 barrels selected for bottling. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of black cherry, damp earth, peat and spice cabinet. Bright, juicy and polished in a midweight style, displaying juicy flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with an earthy tone in the wings. Very giving upon opening, with suave, fine-grain tannins and an exceptional finish of uncommon length. Very impressive in all respects with the balance to age beautifully. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, the wine was really on point offering pure sensual pleasure. Like many old vine Pinot Noirs, this wine just doesn’t taste like every other California Pinot Noir offering an extra something that is hard to describe but a delight to experience. Score: 97. Reviewed August 27, 2020

Winery: Hanzell Vineyards
From article: Old Vine California Pinot Noir Vineyards: Sonoma/Napa Counties, A-D