Lingua Franca Avni Pinot Noir 2021

"Floral and spice focused. Juicy red and black fruits linger on the palate with notes of orange zest, potting soil and black tea." —winemaker

"A bright, magenta color with pinkish red edges shows intensity, youthfulness and concentration. Aroma sequences immediately leap from the glass with freshness and vigor. There are red berries, freshly cut straw, rhubard and elegantly perfumed red flowers. A blood orange zest inermixes with herbes de provence, cranberries, and tigh-grained French barrique. The structure of the wine is medium-plus at first, but as the wine unfolds in the mid-palate it begins to tighten and constrict. Acid levels are earnest in this wine, but there is a broad density that seems to take a combative stance to its brightness as the finish expands into chalky minerality, tangerine spice and an underlayment of crushed river rock. An argument can be made that this is the most impressive bottling that Jean-Nicolas Méo has achieved yet." —winemaker

"This fine-spun Pinot Noir opens with fresh aromas of coastal evergreens and wildflowers. Hints of early-season cherries follow, macerated in warm spices (anise, cardamom, allspice) and layered over earthy sandalwood. Ripe yet tangy dark berries, wearing a little dust from the patch, star on a lightly textured palate, giving way to savory herbs, delicately tannic red tea, and a pop of salty sea beans. A fascinating play of light fruit and dark spice is finished with a bright squeeze of orange peel." —winemaker

"Dark ruby red color. Lifted and perfumed instantly as the wine hits the glass, with inviting aromas of red and black fruits, rose and carnation that turn spicier with air. Anthill Farms uses the more approachable, open barrels from all their Sonoma vineyards to make up this wine. The 2021 vintage showed more structure than years past at all sites, with flavors that are pleasurable and succulent from the start. Loads of crunchy, energetic fruit coat the palate, remaining elegant and fresh, fanning out through the finish." —winemaker

"The 2021 Pinot Noir is fresh and lively with perfumed black raspberry and cherry aromatics wrapped in rustic forest floor notes. Juicy Bing cherry, savory herbs, and ripe dark berries create a complex and textured palate with acid structure and balance leading to a delightfully engaging finish." —winemaker

"Soter Vineyards Estates Pinot Noir offers aromas of wild cherry pit, blueberry skins, and black pepper. Primary flavors of dark cherry, Oregon grape, and wild blueberry. Secondary flavors of fruit leather and brown baking spice. The finish is round with grippy tannins." —winemaker

"Estate-born from our high-density plantings in the western reaches of the appellation, this vintage displays translucent ruby and entices with freshly picked violets, wild cherry, and scents of sage. The palate is framed by a supple texture and well-integrated tannins that opens with layered notes of crushed pomegranate seeds, blood orange extract, and lightly steeped Rooibos tea. This is an elegant and graceful wine with bright acidity, leading to a long and pure finish." —winemaker

"Fruit Focused. Floral hints of fresh linen, hyacinth lilt over blackberry and black cherry preserve. Great acid and structure lead to a mouthwatering finish." —winemaker

"Floral & Spice Focused. Lush blackberries, blueberries and turned earth are perfumed with lily of the valley. Rose petal and dark fruits are bright and lithe on the palate." —winemaker