Pinot Noir 'Louise'

Score

95

"Most diverse soils on the property the Louise is the only site without 100% volcanic soils. The warmest site on the property, protected from the Van Duzer winds from a horseshoe of forest is about radiance of warmth for winemaker Estrin. This site can get big fast, so he picks them a bit earlier than the others and has to pay attention to the extraction, exotic spice aromatics, Chinese five spice and Oolong tea. This is a bit more broad-shouldered and the tannins intimate that this will go the distance. The palate leans into savoury spice, with black tea, wild anise blackberries and mint. Brooding and elegant."

Score

96

"From a vineyard the Gerrie family planted in 1993 that sits around the winery, the 2022 Pinot Noir Louise Vineyard reveals a beautiful woodsy profile, with notes of mossy earth and higher-toned red fruit shining through, with cranberries, darker red fruits, and Asian spices. It has a chiseled structure, with fine compact tannins, a refreshing lift, and notes of tea leaf on its long finish. It's going to age with grace over the coming 20 years."

Score

94

"Classic to the core, the 2022 Pinot Noir Louise Vineyard seduces with a blend of violets, lavender and cola, giving way to crushed blackberries and a dusting of cinnamon. This impresses with its round textures and joyously ripe red and blue-toned fruits as a tactile staining of minerality provides a lovely grip toward the close. A cascade of rosy florals resonates over a bed of fine-grained tannins as the 2022 finishes long and beautifully balanced. The oak integration (33% new) is perfectly executed here."