2013 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

Here too there is a pronounced floral character to the slightly riper aromas of various red berries, in particular currant, along with hints of sandalwood and Asian-style tea. The lilting and wonderfully refined medium weight flavors exude a fine bead of minerality on the dusty, vibrant, restrained and equally understated finish. There is a touch of backend austerity and like the Alpine Hillside, this sleekly muscular effort is going to require extended bottle age to realize its full potential.

Coming from a single parcel of high density vines in the Bearwallow Vineyard in Anderson Valley, the 2013 Pinot Noir Porcupine Hill knocks it out of the park with it intensity and depth. Giving up fabulous black raspberry, dried rose petal, violets and spice/incense, it's pure class on the palate and has an ethereal texture, perfect balance and a great finish. While distinctly different from the Santa Cruz Mountain releases, it's at the same quality level. (JD)

The 2013 Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains is a terrific expression of mountain fruit, especially when tasted beside the San Mateo release. Firm red fruits, dusty stone-like minerality, white flowers and a touch of rose all emerge from this medium-bodied, silky, lively and elegantly styled Pinot Noir. Possessing solid underlying tannin and integrated acidity, it will have 10-12 years of overall longevity.