2018 Neely "Upper Picnic Block - Spring Ridge Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

I've had a couple bottles of this beauty in the past two weeks and I must admit I'm quite smitten! From a 2-acre block of Dijon 777 clone grafted in 2006 onto older root stock planted in 1982. This is a very alluring, coy, elegant Pinot Noir that needs a minute or two to unfurl in the glass...but when it does it's all class. Wonderfully pure, precise wild forest berries, black raspberry, sandalwood, clove and other mulling spices. Hints of dried porcini and leaf litter, truffle, anise, clean soil (if that's even a thing!?) A magical wine that draws you in slowly. It's not bombastic and effusive, but the subtly and elegance here makes it all the more appealing as the layers slowly open. It really comes alive with roast chicken and herbed potatoes. Silky and elegant now, but still has plenty of poise and energy to cellar for another 5-8 maybe 10 years. Incredible pricing for our insider's Advantage members.