2016 Big Basin Lester Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 414 cases, $55. Release November 2018. 18-year-old vines. Clones include Mt Eden (50%), 667 and a Swan selection. Harvest Brix 22.7º-23.0º and one lot 24.5º. Fermented 100% whole cluster, native yeast, and aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is replete with whole cluster goodness including aromas of dark cherry, exotic spices, burnt pipe tobacco and compost. Heady fruits including black cherry, boysenberry and blackberry are accented with redeeming notes of spice and tobacco, and framed by silky and supple tannins. The mouthfeel is comforting, oak is judiciously integrated, and the juicy, long finish leaves quite a gratifying impression. Even more striking when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This wine has personality. Score: 94. Reviewed October 12, 2018

Winery: Big Basin Vineyards
From article: Oregon’s Big Table Farm and California’s Big Basin Committed to Whole Cluster