2021 Littorai "The Pivot" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

The 2021 Pinot Noir The Pivot Estate Vineyard is fabulous. Bright, floral and explosive, the 2021 is so expressive today. Crushed flowers, vibrant red-toned fruit, mint, blood orange and spice all race across the palate. In this tasting, the 2021 comes across as so silky. All the elements are so well balanced, including the 41% stems. This turned out beautifully. (AG)

The Pivot site is at the heart of the Littorai estate barely a hectare, where the winery is located. Planted in 2004, it farmed with organic and biodynamic approaches, though not certified. In the Sebastopol Hills, a bit further inland but picked late owing to its proximity to the Petaluma Gap. It's cooler than some of the other coastal sites Ted farms. A beautiful Pinot Noir, it shows gorgeous earth and floral aromas and great savoury character. Ted used 41% whole cluster, and this wine reflects that beautifully, with lots of earthen mineral character, dried anise, and bramble fruits. The Pivot always produces the most herbal character that Ted finds in his wines: lots of mint and tea leaves. (CP)