2019 Beau Marchais Clos Pepe Vineyard Quest (West) Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

15.1% alc., $95. From a cooler parcel of the vineyard facing the Pacific Ocean and its strong wind.. Pommard and 667 clones. 33% whole cluster. Extended maceration of 48 days. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Leading off are aromas of blackberry, blueberry, pomegranate, tilled earth and seasoned oak. Mid-weight plus in style, packed with a dense core of purple and black fruits that are a bit unyielding at this point. A floral note adds charm. Showing a little more oak and tannin than the East bottling but with a flood of fruit on a longer finish. This wine offers more nuances and I found more appealing than the East bottling. Surely this wine will benefit from a couple of years in the cellar. Score: 93. Reviewed March 21, 2021

Winery: Beau Marchais
From article: Clarice & Beau Marchais: Winemaker Adam Lee’s Newest Ventures