2020 Flax Estate Pinot Noir

The 2020 Pinot Noir Flax Estate comes from 20-year-old vines planted on red volcanic clay, and fruit was harvested before the fires began. It's a spicy, complex, age-worthy Pinot Noir with steadily growing aromatic intensity: cranberries and blood orange unfold to licorice, tobacco leaves and bitters as it spends time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate balances highly concentrated, spicy fruit with powerful, grainy tannins and refreshing acidity, and it finishes long and layered.

The 2020 Pinot Noir Flax Estate Vineyard is bright, effusive and so charming, right out of the gate. Today, the 2020 is quite primary, so it needs cellaring to fully come together. I very much admire the vibrancy and energy here. Freshly cut flowers, mint, sweet red berry and blood orange linger effortlessly.