Mail Road Mt. Carmel Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

96 Points - limited                         Limited release of Santa Barbara's new Cult Pinot Noir.       96 Points Robert Parker:  "Similar to the Mt Carmel 3 5 bottling, except with more tension and vibrancy, the 2013 Pinot Noir Mt Carmel Vineyard spent 16 months in 33% new French oak, with the balance all in neutral oak, before being bottled unfiltered in March, 2015. It offers lots of rose petal, sappy underbrush and liquid-rock characteristics to go with ample cassis and black cherry fruit. Thrillingly textured, pure and seamless, with medium-bodied richness and depth, this is a sensational Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills that stays fresh and vibrant without making any concessions to fruit or texture. It will have 10-15 years of overall longevity... ...These 2013's from winemaker Matt Dees appear to be on par with the sensational 2012s. Focusing exclusively on the Mt Carmel Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, these 2013s were all harvested September 6-25. The Chardonnay sees partial malolactic fermentation and aging in 40% new French oak. The Pinot Noirs are mostly destemmed and aging occurs in 30-50% new French oak. While these lean toward the leaner end of the spectrum, I think they have brilliant fruit intensity and length."

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