Patz & Hall, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir Jenkins Ranch 2014

($60): One of the things I love about Patz & Hall is that they specialize in making Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from individual vineyards, highlighting the differences among them.  With this approach, they’ve shown that the French don’t have a monopoly on terroir.  This wine, from Jenkins Ranch on the cool Sonoma Coast, shows the delicate side of Pinot Noir, dancing across the palate.  It has the sweet/savory tension for which Pinot Noir is capable, but which is all too often lacking in New World versions.  Light on its feet, it conveys incredible power.  A glossy texture adds to its charm.
95 Michael Apstein Jul 12, 2016