Moving to two Sta. Rita Hills releases, the 2019 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard Est (previously called Clos Pepe #6 when it was reviewed from barrel) has a more structured, focused, elegant style that carries notes of Bing cherries, mulberries, cedary herbs, spice, and a touch of marine-like minerality and saltiness, which is classic Sta. Rita Hills. Rich, tannic, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, this killer Pinot Noir needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will drink well for a decade. 

 This brand is a new partnership between California Winemaker Adam Lee and Rhône Valley expert Philippe Cambie. The wine offers immensely spicy aromas of cardamom and sarsaparilla that meet with cherry paste and black raspberry on the nose. The booming palate throws a wide array of ripe red fruit against a spice rack of chai and licorice, with ample texture and acidity to lead into an unending finish. (MK)