2014 J. Lohr Highlands Bench Santa Lucia Highlands Monterey Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.58, RS 0.1 g/100ml, 82 cases, $35. Warm vintage and early harvest. sourced from Escolle Road Vineyard located just west of the town of Gonzales. Primarily clone 115. Harvest Brix 24.5º. 100% de-stemmed, 20% saignée, 3-day cold soak, fermented in 10-ton open top tanks with punch downs twice daily, aged in unique water bent French barrels from Marcel Cadet, 60% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Initially reluctant, the nose opens over time to offer scents of purple berries, spice and vanilla. Full and luscious on the palate with a charge of sweet, ripe black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors. Nothing out of place, with a creamy mouthfeel, the right touch of oak and enough finish to thoroughly satisfy. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2017

Winery: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir