Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Riverview Vineyard, Monterey County, California 2021

Usually Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard makes very big Pinot Noir for heartier foods and cellaring. But this one, though not light, is luscious, juicy and ready to enjoy right away for any occasion. They call it our “front porch / back porch / anytime Pinot."

It's lighter in style than the Santa Cruz Mountains Pinots, but not all that light compared to many California Pinots out there. It has very accessible classic Pinot Noir fruit of sour cherries and wild strawberries and a nice, juicy acidity to hold it all together and make it great with food. In the mouth it has those cherries and berries, subtle spice, soft tannins, and a juicy, tart finish that has you coming back for more.