2014 Windy Oaks Old Vine Chalone Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.68, 48 cases, $65. sourced from Graff’s early plantings of Pinot Noir that were established using 1946 Chalone Vineyard cuttings. 50% whole cluster, aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Complex aromatic gifts including black cherry, sous-bois, briar, spice and nutty oak, reaching new heights with time in the glass. A connoisseur’s wine that is not propelled by rich fruit, but rather by nuance and complexity. The midweight flavors of cherry, red berry and spice are surprisingly intense considering the lighter color of the wine. Elegantly crafted and perfectly balanced, with finegrain tannins, juicy acidity and an astonishingly long, orgasmic finish. This wine brought back memories of my encounter with a 1990 DRC Romanée-Conti wine many years ago. Not a powerhouse, but delicate like an angel that is heaven sent. Score: 97. Reviewed August 29, 2020

Winery: Windy Oaks Estate Vineyards & Winery
From article: California Old Vine Pinot Noir Vineyards: Monterey County