Alma Rosa Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills 2022

“At first impression, La Encantada smells strikingly jammy, floral, and herbaceous. This Pinot Noir is intensely aromatic, with a bouquet featuring thyme, oregano, eucalyptus, blackberry jam, and roses. There is secondary flavour development in the fruit character on the pallet, adding to the complexity of the wine, with notes of buttery mixed berry crumble and spiced plum compote. Fermentation on gross lees and ten months of ageing in new French oak creates a noticeable milk-like depth in texture, adding to the body of this wine. It should age beautifully in the right hands, given a few years.”

“Fresh raspberry and penetrating dark plum aromas meet with barrel spice on the nose of this bottling, which is dense in its core yet shows fresh flickers on the edges.Bright acidity and a spicy peppercorn streak add excitement to the lush, rich flavors of roasted berry and freshly ground baking spice.”

“I loved the nose on the 2022 Pinot Noir La Encantada, a more Burgundian-style effort that has spicy red and black fruits, new leather, loamy earth, and spicy sandalwood-like aromas and flavors. It's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, ripe yet present tannins, and a great finish. It picks up much more classic Sta. Rita Hills iodine and marine-like nuances with time in the glass (I followed this wine for multiple days) and is going to drink beautifully through 2032.”

“A charming and well-balanced wine with pretty floral and cherry aromas and an elegant structure of tannins and vivid acidity. Rose petals, sour cherries, raspberries and spearmint on the palate. Full-bodied and firm enough for further aging, Drink now or hold.”