2011 Pisoni Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate

A ripe, voluptuous effort that dishes out thrilling levels of fruit, the 2011 Pinot Noir Estate possesses layers of kirsch, black currants, black raspberry, licorice, sweet spice and crushed flower-like aromas and flavors that flow seamlessly to a full-bodied, rich and concentrated palate. Sweetly fruited and rich, it has sweet underlying tannin, incredible purity of fruit and clean, integrated acidity. Opening up in the glass and over the evening, it is a brilliant Pinot Noir that’s up there with the best of the vintage. It should evolve gracefully and have upwards of a decade of longevity, although I see no reason to delay gratification either. Drink now-2021. This benchmark estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands is run by the Pisoni family, with Mark Pisoni managing the vineyards and Jeff Pisoni making the wines. While they only release a single estate Pinot Noir under the Pisoni label (always 100% from the Pisoni Vineyard), they also release a number of highly recommended Pinots and Syrahs (from different vineyards) under their Lucia line. Tel. (800) 270-2525; www.pisonivineyards.com