2008 Hug Cellars Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.25, 45 cases, $48. Clones 1A and 2A (Wädenswil). 100% whole cluster. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · A superb wine that is just now coming into its own (it takes a few years for wines from Rancho Ontiveros to come around). Crazy amount of spice on the nose with a discreetly concentrated core of savory dark fruit and peppery spice on the palate, framed by bright acidity. Very good (+). Reviewed March 12, 2011

Winery: Hug Cellars
From article: Blast from 2011 World of Pinot Noir