Chanin, Bon Climat Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley

Prior bottle was only a few weeks ago and if anything, this bottle showed slightly better; perhaps a touch more lively and youthful feeling. High toned raspberry along with cherry, earth and floral notes on the nose. Medium bodied and with that same mix of acidity-enhanced red raspberry and red cherry that came off as bright, open and lively, even more so that my prior bottle. Mid-body continues to show depth, additional concentration and that pretty, satiny roundness. Acidity and …

Right red cherry, red raspberry, floral notes and earth on the nose. Medium bodied (13.6% ABV) and simply beautiful. Bright red cherry upfront, backed with deeper red raspberry behind. Mid-body was quite impressive; rounded and open, but with depth and concentration. Hints of blackfruit through the middle blend quite well with the acidity and nicely tart redfruit notes on the backside into the finish. Good complexity, married to excellent contrasts and wrapped up nicely with overarching balance. As compared to …

2012 In Pursuit of Balance Tasting (Julia Morgan Ballroom, Merchants Exchange Building, San Francisco, California) : Light medium red color with pale meniscus; tart red fruit, tart cherry, tart strawberry, mineral, floral nose; tart cherry, tart raspberry, rosehips, floral palate with medium acidity; needs 2-3 years; medium-plus finish (really excellent)

Spectacular. Nice acidity. Good cherry flavours. Not hot at all. Flavour was subtle yet lasts a while.