2009 Patz & Hall Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 526 cases, $85. 13th vintaqe for Patz & Hall from this vineyard. Fruit is sourced from original plantings dating to the early 1980s. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy and nondescript with delicate aromas of spiced dark berries, underbrush and hickory. Big-boned core of dark berry, black stone, and Hoison sauce flavors buried by aggressive tannins. Fruit-driven and primary at this stage, needing several years in the cellar to soften the tannins. Even then, will need protein (a steak for example) to ameliorate the tannins. Good (+). Reviewed January 11, 2012

Winery: Patz & Hall
From article: Embarrassment of Riches: California