Pinot Noir Wines of Santa Rita Hills

March 2024 Finnerty House Wine Tasting

Chris, Hanna, Carol, Art, Tony, Josh, Fran, Jacey.

The wines were widely liked, each finding favor among our discerning guests, underscoring the diversity of palates and the unique qualities of each bottle.

Despite the lack of consensus on a singular best wine, the enthusiasm was unanimous.

Creating the Wine Reviews

The tasters scored the wines using a tasting note checklist. To arrive at amateur wine reviews, the hosts applied a liberal dollop of poetic license to the tasting notes prepared by each amateur wine enthusiast, for his or her favorite wine.

Peak Ranch 2019 John Sebastiano

Fran & Carol chose Peake Ranch 2019 John Sebastiano as their favorite (average score 98):

Peake Ranch 2019 John Sebastiano by Fran

In an exquisite showcase of viticultural artistry, the Peake Ranch 2019 John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir captivates with an opulent dark hue, reminiscent of the velvety night sky. A symphony of black currant and subtle black pepper unfolds on the palate, harmoniously intertwined with the ethereal essence of purple flowers, painting a masterpiece of flavors that speaks to the soul. Its smooth finish, akin to a tender caress, lingers with grace, leaving an indelible mark on the senses. Remarkably, despite its profound depth and intensity, it boasts low tannins, making it a paradox of power and finesse. This wine is a poetic expression of the unique terroir from which it hails, offering an unforgettable experience that transcends the ordinary.

Peake Ranch 2019 John Sebastiano by Carol

The Peake Ranch 2019 John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir dazzles with a nuanced bouquet of ripe blackberry and a hint of black pepper, complemented by the unexpected yet delightful undertones of coca-cola and a rich earthiness reminiscent of tea leaves. Its medium color belies the depth within, offering moderate tannins and a perfectly balanced alcohol content, culminating in a smooth finish that promises immediate enjoyment. This wine is a harmonious symphony, ready to drink now, embodying the perfect blend of complexity and accessibility.

Melville 2019 Estate Block M

Josh chose Melville 2019 Pinot Noir Estate Block M as his favorite and it earned second choice among several other tasters (average score 96):

Melville 2019 Pinot Noir Estate Block M by Josh

The Melville 2019 Pinot Noir Estate Block M captivates with its unconventional yet harmonious blend of aromas, featuring the luscious sweetness of cantaloupe and the exotic allure of dragon fruit, intertwined with the refreshing essence of mint and the delicate charm of violet. This ensemble is a testament to the wine’s sophistication, offering a unique twist with a subtle hint of grape that underpins its complexity. Perfect for enjoyment today, this Pinot Noir also hints at untapped potential, promising an even richer experience with several more years of cellaring. A true expression of innovation and tradition, it’s a wine that intrigues now and will continue to evolve.

Brewer-Clifton 2019 3D

Art chose Brewer-Clifton 2019 Pinot Noir 3D as his favorite (average score 95):

Brewer-Clifton 2019 Pinot Noir 3D by Art

The Brewer-Clifton 2019 Pinot Noir 3D is a masterful composition that tantalizes the senses with its intricate blend of flavors and aromas. A vibrant core of black currant and cranberry offers a rich, fruity base, while the addition of hibiscus introduces a floral nuance, creating a captivating contrast. The unexpected zest of lime cuts through the richness, balanced delicately by the earthy tones of sage. A hint of sesame adds an intriguing twist, rounding out the flavor profile with its subtle nuttiness. This wine’s pale hue belies its complexity, and its smooth texture ensures the diverse palette of tastes lingers memorably. A testament to the craftsmanship of its makers, it’s a wine that stands out for its elegance and depth, inviting savoring now with the promise of unfolding beauty.

Dragonette 2019 Radian

Jacey and Tony “Stump” chose Dragonette 2019 Pinot Noir Radian as their favorite (average score 94):

Dragonette 2019 Pinot Noir Radian by Jacey

The Dragonette 2019 Pinot Noir Radian unveils itself with an alluring start, where the richness of blackcurrant and the sweetness of caramel are beautifully complemented by the exotic touch of dragon fruit. Notes of rose and strawberry weave through the palate, adding a layer of complexity and freshness. As it evolves, the finish introduces a velvety whisper of vanilla, underscoring the wine’s intricate complexity. Its medium color is a visual hint at the depth within, promising a journey of flavors. Perfect for enjoying now, this Pinot Noir also possesses the structure and sufficient tannins to age gracefully for a decade more, offering versatility and longevity to those patient enough to wait.

Dragonette 2019 Pinot Noir Radian by Tony “Stump”

The Dragonette 2019 Pinot Noir Radian presents an exquisite opening with the elegance of rose and the distinctive richness of leather, paving the way for a vibrant heart of dragon fruit, cherry, and black currant. As the experience unfolds, the finish reveals a luscious layer of blackberry, accentuating the wine’s inherent elegance and smooth texture. Boasting a dark color that hints at its depth, this Pinot Noir is a testament to the sophistication and complexity captured in each sip. Ready to be enjoyed now, its graceful composition invites immediate indulgence, promising a memorable tasting journey.

Everybody Won

The tasting included a contest, with guests scores and tasting notes being compared to Matt Kettman’s (Wine Enthusiast) for the same wines.

The first three finishers, Carol, Art & Tony, chose in turn from the following prizes:

Pence 2019 Estate Pinot          Story of Soil 2019 Pinot

Future Perfect 2020 Pinot      The Prisoner 2019 Cab

Overture 2016 Napa Red        Belshinko Vino

Following a delightful wine tasting session complemented by a sumptuous spread of culinary offerings, guests transitioned into an engaging and spirited bout of Wine Trivia Pursuit. Divided into two teams, the camaraderie and competitive spirit were palpable.

In a closely contested match, The Superior Sex narrowly triumphed over the Power Elite with a final tally of 11 to 10. Their prize: a coveted bottle of Joy Fantastic 2018 Pinot Noir for each victorious team member, a fitting reward for their wine knowledge prowess and a perfect memento of a night filled with joy, laughter, and the shared love of wine.

As the evening drew to a close, we finished with Eiswein.

 

Finally, there was nothing left to do but gloat and talk trash . . . while Hanna washed glasses.

All good things must come to an end.