2020 Fort Ross Seaview, Sea Field Vineyard Pinot Noir

The 2020 Pinot Noir Sea Field is bright, nervy and full energy. Red berry fruit, blood orange, mint, spice, tobacco, cedar and white pepper give this mid-weight, translucent Pinot a striking upper register of aromatic presence. The 2020 is classy and understated. It is an impressive wine in this very challenging vintage.

Smells of rain, ground granite, petrichor. Tastes of delicate woodland fruit; sweet, charming, juicy but with a waspishly bright, tart tang that builds in bitterness and saves it from being just a bit too acquiescent. That spice has bite and muscle, smoke and burn – almost like chipotle. The tannins, too, have bite and muscle. Needs a little time.

Smells of rain, ground granite, petrichor. Tastes of delicate woodland fruit; sweet, charming, juicy but with a waspishly bright, tart tang that builds in bitterness and saves it from being just a bit too acquiescent. That spice has bite and muscle, smoke and burn – almost like chipotle. The tannins, too, have bite and muscle. Needs a little time. (TC)