Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Casteel Reserve 2017

Aromas of black cherry, pine resin, and black currants dominate, with hints of cooking chocolate and cinnamon in the background. Flavors of black berries and dark chocolate play over the sinewy, taut structure of this wine with its mineral laden acidity and fine-grained tannins.

This estate-grown, barrel select reserve has a pleasing brambly character to the ripe berry fruit, along with scents and highlights of truffle and cola. It’s polished and ripe, though at lower finished alcohol than in past vintages. The balance and length, as with all of Ben Casteel’s wines, are superb.