2018 Darling Family Wines Pinot Noir Azaya Vineyard
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Their first vintage. 15-year-old vines on Blucher loam, facing south-west at 420 ft of elevation, 8 miles from Pacific Ocean. 100% whole-cluster ambient-yeast fermentation. Aged 10 months in neutral French oak. Organic practices (uncertified). Richer nose than the 2024. Very juicy and round; this could be drunk without food. Nicely chewy on the end. Still alive and kicking, even if very slightly less distinctive than the later vintage. Clean and fresh. Redcurrant fruit. (JR)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
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100% whole-cluster fermentation with ambient yeasts. Aged for 10 months in neutral French oak. 100 cases produced. Smells of chopped green herbs and berries. Flavours of green herbs, pine duff and raspberries have an earthy, savoury quality with a hint of salinity. Faint, gauzy tannins, excellent acidity and hints of citrus peel linger in the finish. (AY)