The aromas of this wine are, again, distinctly forward and multilayered. The clean brightness of fruit is what sets this vintage apart. A predominance of ”red fruits” is accented by a touch of exotic East Indian spice and a ”kiss” of well-seasoned French oak. The texture is plush and round with the underlying structure and acidity not becoming apparent until the late palate and finish. This Pinot was a joy to blend with it never ceasing to amaze us how the sum can be so much greater than the parts. And there were several parts! Five key vineyards and five minor ones were the sources for the blend this year; with two of the key vineyards being Camp Meeting Ridge and our new ranch off Fort Ross Road. The purity of this wine is what is so striking and reflects the preciseness and delineation of fruit that was a common denominator in many of the Pinot lots this vintage. Drinking surprisingly well for such a young wine, I believe this vintage will continue to evolve and improve over the next 3 years.