The 2023 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is an excellent introduction to the more serious Pinot Noir offerings, opening with a composed, dark-fruited yet energetic bouquet featuring black tea, turned earth and dried herb accents. The palate leans toward the riper side of the spectrum, offering a rich yet silky texture that transitions to a pure and savory finish that lingers with lifted salinity.

The 2023 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) is a generous, approachable entry-level offering that reflects the house style nicely. Complex, marine-influenced notes of dark cherry, grilled herbs and nori bring nuance. Broad and balanced, it finishes with a welcome kick of white pepper grip on the long close. (BN)