2014 Three Blocks Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
Cherry-blossom perfume. Blood orange and masses of tart raspberry – the acidity in this wine is ascendent. But at the same time, there is an intense, verging-on-jammy sweetness and lazy ribbons of easy, super-smooth tannins. Warm spice. A wine that evokes a warm kitchen: red-cheek glow, oven warmth, soft-rustle scent of nutmeg and cinnamon, hot-velvet simmer of poaching fruit, an aproned hug dusted with flour. Such a treat to find this perfectly ready, mature Pinot that sings Santa Cruz. (TC)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The vibrant ruby/purple-hued 2014 Pinot Noir Three Blocks Spring Ridge Vineyard (mostly destemmed and aged in 25% new French oak) is another medium-bodied, fresh and lively 2014 from the Varner brothers that has loads to love. Offering a complex nose of damp earth, Christmas spice, eucalyptus, Bing cherries, and raspberries, it leans toward the more fresh and lively end of the spectrum while still boasting ample depth of fruit. I’d be thrilled to drink bottles over the coming 8-10 years.
Gracious, elegant and absolutely impeccable in its balance, the 2014 Pinot Noir Three Blocks is terrific. The blend of vineyard sites works especially well in yielding a wine that is wonderfully complete. Sweet red cherry, tobacco and rose petal notes give the 2014 its bright, energetic feel. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2014 also packs a serious punch. In other words, there is a lot of wine here.
The 2014 Pinot Noir Three Blocks Spring Ridge Vineyard reveals aromas of blackberries, plums and sweet forest floor, complemented by subtle notions of spice and potpourri. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and lavish, with a supple attack, sapid mid-palate and a warm, generous finish.