Joining the Cult - 2008 Melville Vineyards Carrie's Pinot Noir

Joining the cult - 2008 Melville Vineyards Carrie's Pinot Noir - Today’s Pinot's pick is from the Santa Rita Hills in Lompoc. Our tasting was composed of several of Melville's Pinot and Syrah offerings, however, the Carrie's Pinot stood out from the bunch. The color was a dark garnet and offered an delightful concentration of red fruit on the nose.. What is noticeable immediately is the absence of Oak aromas and based on a conversation with the vinery staff this wine see's no new Oak, just neutral Oak. What an inspiring thought- get the benefits of the Oak's natural oxidation without Oaking out the wonderful fruit this wine has to offer. I love it! The wines flavors’ follow hand-in-hand with the aromas - delightful deep red fruit with slight earthy and floral undertones with a full of body and a lingering finish. Although this region can provide wines with high alcohol, which can reduce of the acid in the wine and overall balance, this wine still maintains good balance even though it contains an expressive 14.9% alcohol. The tannins are also very approachable, but will round out over over time. Drink now or over the next few years.. That is if you can store the bottles that long... Thanks for the exceptional wine - 96 points.