2021 Wendling Vineyard Pinot Noir

The 2021 Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard Block E is classy and polished to the core. Vibrant fruit and notable textural intensity all come together. Layers of fruit build through the mid-palate into the finish, all framed by insistent yet impeccably balanced tannins that wrap it all together. All this needs is time.

This vineyard was planted for Ted Lemon and Wells Guthrie of Copain – 3 miles from the Pacific. The bottom of the hill is at an elevation of 350 ft and the top is at 550 ft. Incredibly steep and rocky vineyard. 11 combos of rootstock and clone. When Copain sold, other winemakers began to buy fruit from this vineyard. Pale ruby in colour. Very floral, berry-fruited nose with incredible intensity. Elevated tannin – lightly sandy in texture and building with refreshing acidity. Very structured and textural. Ageworthy. (SCJ)

The Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard Block E reaffirms its place as one of the truly great American Pinots in 2021. Dark, potent and savory, the 2021 possesses tremendous intensity from start to finish. Graphite, gravel, cured meat, tobacco, incense and licorice are all dialed up in this brooding, virile Pinot. Hints of black cherry, blueberry and lavender open later, adding further dimensions of complexity. Ultimately, the Wendling is a wine of terrific fruit density and equally imposing tannin.