2012 Mail Road Wines Mt. Carmel Vineyard Blocks 2, 3, 5 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $90. A project of Ronald Piazza and Michael Palmer who own Mt. Carmel Vineyard. Winemaker is Matt Dees with Ruben Solorzano managing the vineyard that was originally developed by Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton. Mail Road Wines produces wines exclusively from Mt. Carmel Vineyard. 100% de-stemmed, aged 11 months in 42% new French oak barrels. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. This is a boldly extracted and hedonistic wine, almost akin to a fortified wine, featuring aromas of blackberry, cassis, raisin, dark chocolate and cocoa nibs, and richly extracted flavors of boysenberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruits. The tannins keep the sheer power in check and the silky texture invites indulgence. A peek of alcoholic warmth shows up on the finish. The wine is not my favorite stylistically, but has merit. Score: 92. Reviewed June 18, 2016

Winery: Mail Road Wines
From article: Expensive & Allocated Crimson Liquid: Are Cult Pinot Noirs Worth It?