WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
This Light ruby Pinot Noir has overt and concentrated aromatics of rich red and black roasted plums, purple fig jam, brandied cherries, and speculoos cookies. A few more glass swirls will release earthy tones of Chinese five-spice, sweet hickory, and fall hay. Flavors of ripe raspberry, strawberry jam, Black Strap Molasses, and Port wine Reduction are layered nicely in this Pinot Noir. In addition, it offers some earthy tones of moist soils and eucalyptus with a long smokey finish.
TASTING NOTES:
From a site just to the west of Bien Nacido, the 2021 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills Vineyard is slightly deeper ruby-hued, with a terrific, darker cherry, smoked herb, and black tea-driven profile carrying medium to full-bodied richness and depth as well as ripe, supple tannins. As with all these Optik releases, it's impeccably made and a joy to drink.
- Jeb Dunnuck, 94 pts.
Pomegranate, strawberry, red apple and cinnamon converge on the nose of this bottling, in which winemaker Joey Tensley takes on the Miller family's coolest climate vineyard. The palate is punchy with ripe strawberry flavors that are enhanced by dried herbs and just-cracked spices.
- Wine Enthusiast, 93 pts.
Expressive, with juicy plum, black cherry and pomegranate fruit flavors pumping through, laced with light sandalwood and red tea notes that add elegance and perfume. Shows nice length, too. Drink now through 2029. 480 cases made.
- Wine Spectator, 91 pts.
