Pale ruby, the 2020 Pinot Noir Vista Al Rio has a pure core of cranberry sauce and blueberries with nuances of black tea leaves, tar, garrigue and aniseed. Medium-bodied, it has a fine, chalky frame and bright freshness, offering layered, spicy flavors and a long, detailed finish.

From the La Rinconada vineyard, the 2019 Pinot Noir Vista Al Rio was made with 20% whole clusters and matured for 16 months in 22% new French oak. It has a medium ruby-purple color and aromas of cranberries, red cherries and forest floor with lilting floral and stony nuances. The palate offers bright, lifted, spicy flavors, silty tannins and a long finish. 2,652 cases were made.

The medium ruby-purple colored 2017 Pinot Noir Vista Al Rio, aged 17 months in 32% new French oak, offers red and black berry aromas with touches of licorice, aniseed and desiccated violets. The medium-bodied palate is rounded, expansive, silky and layered with bright freshness and a very long finish. How pretty! 309 cases produced.

This comes from a single block in the La Rinconada vineyard and was aged 16 months in 35% new French oak. The 2015 Pinot Noir Vista Al Rio has a pale to medium ruby color and pretty nose of blueberries, blackcurrants, black berries and cherries with nuances of violet, bergamot, pepper, charcuterie and garrigue. The palate is medium-bodied with savory fruits, juicy acidity and a plethora of floral notes, framed by softly grainy tannins and finishing on an herbs note. 393 cases were made.

Ripe and jammy in primary fruit character, almost like a barrel sample, this fresh, juicy Pinot Noir should not be opened before 2010. But it’s a solid wine, showing deep flavors of black cherries and spices. Should develop well through 2013. ——S.H.(10/1/2009)—— 91