2021 Kutch, Mindego Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA

Full bottle 1,342 g. From a cool, 10-acre, south-facing vineyard planted in 2009, much more recently than the other Kutch Pinot sources, at 700–950 ft and eight miles from the ocean. David and Stacey Gollnick farm organically on this site of silty clay loam over fractured shale. Hand-picked 22-27 September. 50% whole bunch – less than the 75% in 2019.

Pale, bright cherry red. Dense, firm fruit. Chalky texture. There is more grunt, density and undertow than in most of his Sonoma Coast wines. Less ethereal. Good to see an obvious difference. ... Not as long as some Sonoma Coast wines.

Drink 2023 - 2028

The 2021 Pinot Noir Mindego Ridge is a racy, classy wine from this well-known Santa Cruz Mountains site. The 2021 is tight, inward and not fully expressive of place just yet. Hopefully that will emerge over time. Then again, this is the Santa Cruz Mountains, where Pinots often need a few years to show at their very best.

Drink 2024 - 2035

Intense red fruit on the nose with crunchy cherry, raisins, tea leaves and dried herbs. Hints of rosehip and floral aromas. Generous, ripe and juicy on the palate with vivid, bright fruit and a sandy bed of tannin. It is structured and well-balanced.

Drink 2023 - 2030