Inky, rich and explosive, the 2017 Pinot Noir Mt. Carmel Vineyard captures all of the natural richness of the vintage. Today, it is the wine's sheer depth that speaks with most convection, but there is plenty of nuance behind that, especially once some of the primary flavors start to recede. The 2017 has tons of potential, that much is clear.

There are a tiny 200 cases of the 2017 Pinot Noir Mount Carmel Vineyard, which comes from the estate vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and was destemmed and aged in a little under 50% new French oak. It reveals a semi-opaque purple/ruby color as well as a youthful bouquet of black raspberries, mulberries, candied violets, Asian spice, and incense. With subtle oak, medium body, a concentrated, firm mid-palate, and present tannins, it's a beautiful wine, yet in no way ready to drink. Hide bottles for 2-4 years and it should cruise for a decade or more.

Inky, rich and explosive, the 2017 Pinot Noir Mt. Carmel Vineyard captures all of the natural richness of the vintage. Today, it is the wine's sheer depth that speaks with most convection, but there is plenty of nuance behind that, especially once some of the primary flavors start to recede. The 2017 has tons of potential, that much is clear.