2015 Ken Brown Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.59, 154 cases, $65. Vineyard originally planted in 1971, but newer clones and rootstocks have been added over the years. Clones 943 (planted in 2008) and Wädenswil 2A (planted in 2011). Soils are Botella Series, clay and loam with a high calcareous content that drains well. Grapes destemmed, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 38% new. Light egg white fining and bottled unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The wine is a chameleon in the glass, offering everychanging aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, clove, cardamom, and tea leaf aromas, and purple and black fruit flavors nicely touched by spice and toasty oak. The fruit core packs a punch and the sense is lushness and velvet in the mouth, yet the wine is light on its feet. Opulent and huggable. Score: 95. Reviewed April 14, 2018

Winery: Ken Brown Wines
From article: Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay