Mt. Harlan in the Gablian Mountains, about 25 east of Monterey Bay, has always produced exceptional fruit. Part of this is due to higher elevation plantings (2.200 feet) and its limestone soils. And this Pinot is no exception. Besides the normal fruit forward flavors you would expect out of Pinot, there is a beautiful earthiness to this wine. You’ll find notes of blueberry, loganberry, plum, dried wildflowers, red raspberry, light vanilla, sandalwood and faint sugarcoated almond, with dusty cocoa. But none of these flavors are pronounced. In fact the entire wine is fairly muted, only adding to its allure. The tannins are medium tight and the acidity supports the wine. Aged for 18 months in neutral barrels with a small portion of new French oak barrels, the wine showcases its sense of place, a unique outcropping originally planted in the 1970s. This history along with its distinctive microclimate consistently turns out worthy Pinot Noir. ORIGIN: Mt. Harlan AVA, San Benito County. ALCOHOL: 14.5%
