2017 Mail Road Wines Pinot Noir Mt. Carmel

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.

The 2017 Mt. Carmel Vineyard Pinot Noir is a wine of pure and total sophistication. Aromatically intense, light on its feet and incredibly resonant, the 2017 is simply dazzling. Sweet red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, lavender and spice all run through this striking explosive Pinot. I am blown away by the wine's freshness and extraordinary balance. Wow!

Predominately from a block planted in 1990, the 2017 Pinot Noir Mt Carmel Vineyard is pale to medium ruby-purple with a gregarious nose of cinnamon toast, dried tobacco leaves, mixed berry preserves, loamy soil, oodles of floral perfume and red and black cherries. Medium-bodied, it offers great layering in the mouth of fruit, flowers, earth and spices, with gently chewy tannins and good freshness, finishing long and layered. 210 cases produced.