Sanford Winery, 'Rinconada' Pinot Noir, 2019, Santa Rita Hills, CA

Sanford La Rinconada Vineyard Pinot Noir is exploding with a combination of earthy cherry, sage, and white pepper. The mid palate is full and roundand leads to a lingering finish suggestive of raspberry, cherry and mocha. Wine Advocate 95 Points - Robert Parker The 2019 Pinot Noir La Rinconada Vineyard, from a northwest-facing slope exposed to Pacific winds, was matured for 16 months in 27% new French oak. Pale ruby-purple, it offers alluring stony nuances that open to red and blue berries, dried citrus peel, Angostura bitters and dried flowers. The palate has a youthfully fresh, spicy character with an underpinning of broody nuances, and it finishes very long. With all that youthful energy, it feels a bit coiled, but it has the fine tannins, freshness and fruit intensity needed for 10 or more years in the cellar. 95+ (EB)