2020 La Encantada Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills

Palate: The palate is rich, layered, and beautifully structured, delivering concentrated ripe fruit flavors framed by complex earthy and mineral notes, supported by balanced acidity. Ripe red and black fruit flavors (sweet cherry, dark cherry, raspberry, and plum) are prominent, showcasing the site's ability to achieve ripeness even in a cool climate, potentially amplified by the vintage's character. The earthy, savory, and mineral notes from the nose carry through beautifully, adding depth and complexity (crushed rock, forest floor, spice). A defining characteristic is the wine's balanced acidity, which provides freshness and length without being overtly sharp or racy like a cooler vintage, harmonizing with the fruit and structure. The fruit concentration is high, reflecting the quality of the old vines and site. The oak provides a supportive backdrop of spice and subtle sweetness.

Visual: Medium ruby core with vibrant cherry and garnet hues extending to a slightly lighter, luminous rim. The color is transparent yet shows good concentration, indicative of the site's quality fruit and the vintage's potential for ripeness. It appears brilliantly clear and bright, with moderate viscosity and persistent, stained tears on the glass, suggesting its extract and structure.

Nose: The aroma is intense, complex, and highly expressive, showcasing the unique character of La Encantada with the added ripeness potential of the 2020 vintage. It opens with concentrated notes of ripe red and black fruit: think sweet cherry, black cherry, sun-baked raspberry, and perhaps a hint of darker plum. Classic earthy notes reflecting the vineyard's unique soils are present: crushed rock, a distinctive minerality (potentially flinty or saline), damp earth, and a subtle savory mushroom or dried leaf character. The 30% whole cluster likely adds layers of complexity: distinctive black pepper and white pepper spice, a captivating floral lift (violet, dried rose petal), and a subtle savory stem note. The 50% new French oak is well-integrated, contributing elegant notes of warm baking spice (clove, cinnamon), vanilla bean, and a refined touch of cedar or toast. The overall nose is harmonious, layered, and deeply intriguing, leaning slightly towards richer fruit compared to a cooler year.