Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard 2014

The fruit for this wine has come from the same block of the site since 2009. Winemaker James Hall shows his ability to coax brambly flavor from a complexity of ginger spice, chocolate and generous tannin, managing to retain enough acidity to add a youthful freshness that's memorable on the finish. Drink now through 2024.Rich and thick, this is an opulent offering of dark cherry and Asian spice, the spice popping on the palate throughout the long finish. Full bodied, it nonetheless features crisp, balanced acidity and a taste of rosemary and lavender, the perfect companion to a butterflied lamb seasoned the same.

The more this spectacular vineyard matures, the more dramatic its wines become. Rich, concentrated and compelling, this is an epic Pinot Noir. At the same time, Gap's Crown's signature hyper-red fruit notes combined with good acidity and a steely minerality add poise and precision. On the palate, rich flavors of cherry compote and mulled holiday spices are supported by hints of lavender, rosemary and resin from a small amount of whole-cluster fermentation. While there is a smooth, velvety ripeness to this wine, the lingering finish has a grip that bodes well for a long life.