2019 Kutch Mindego Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 225 cases, $54. Vines grown in sandstone, shale, quartz and Goldridge sandy loam soils at 350 to 1400 feet elevation. 75% whole cluster, 3- day cold soak followed by native yeast fermentation and native malolactic fermentation. Aged sur lie for 15 months in neutral French oak barrels with a single racking when blended and bottled. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Prodigious aromas of red cherry, exotic spices, dried rose petal and sap soar from the glass immediately upon opening. The mid-weight red and purple berry fruit coat the mid palate and lingers on the finish like an arrow stuck in the bullseye. The most forward drinking of the vineyard designates with refined tannins and a very suave mouth feel. The balance in this wine is spot on. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose was still inviting and spice and cola notes complimented the fruit core. The wine still wowed me two days later. A profound wine that is good young or possibly better with age. Score: 95. Reviewed February 7, 2021

Winery: Kutch Wines
From article: Kutch Wines Continued on a Path of Enticing and Uniquely Stylistic Pinot Noir in 2019