2012 McIntyre Vineyards Estate 25th Anniversary Edition Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.60, 340 cases, $36. Released December 2013. Harvest Brix 25.0º. Dijon 115 and a “heritage” clone from a 40-year-old own-rooted planting of Pinot Noir. Indigenous yeast and malolactic fermentations. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. The aromas have not arrived in this wine, but the delicious flavors are striking. An array of layered fruits meet the mid palate with ripe black raspberry, black currant, plum and dark chocolate notes. Full-bodied with firm but complimentary tannins. Impressive intensity with finishing power and persistence. An age worthy wine that needs time for the aromas to arrive and the tannins to integrate. More appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle sporting inviting aromas of dark berries, black cherry and spice. Decant if you must drink now. A handsome and pedigreed example of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Score: 94. Reviewed February 4, 2014

Winery: McIntyre Vineyards
From article: McIntyre Vineyards Celebrates 25th Anniversary