2018 Lester Mercurio Lester Family Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 267 cases, $55. Clones 667, 115, Pommard, Mt. Eden, Wädenswil 2A, and Swan. Harvest Brix 23.2º-24.2º. 95% destemmed, native yeast and inoculated yeast fermentations. Aged 10 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 30% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Deep cherry aroma with added scents of earthy flora, and floral bouquet. Dark cherry and purple grape fruits are assembled in a very approachable style with excellent balance. This offering has more earthiness and savory oak than the Domingo bottling but is nearly equal in desirability. The extended finish is particularly noteworthy. Score: 93. Reviewed September 19, 2021

Winery: Lester
From article: Elite California Pinot Noir Vineyards Part III: Central Coast - Santa Cruz Mountains