2022 Au Bon Climat, Knox Alexander, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA

It looks very much like a Burgundy in colour. Still, the nose tells a different tale, with an instantly apparent aroma of heady new French oak and ripe raspberry dominating the bouquet. The palate is balanced with a tart red fruit backbone driven by an angular acid structure that feels simultaneously youthful and mature, putting this wine in its own lane. After a 30-minute decant, the cask aroma softens to reveal a complex and uniquely Californian-style Pinot, complete with both secondary and tertiary flavour development in its youth, more ripe red berries, winter laurel, baking spices, cocoa powder and warm leather on the palate followed by a noticeably long finish. Decant and cellaring are recommended for an optimal experience with this beauty.

This shows well-cut forest-floor spices and bruised wild strawberries as well as dusty tannins that pulse with energy. The mature stems of about one-third whole clusters shine through, bringing intriguing personality to black raspberries, rose hips, forest fruit and tilled earth. Drink or hold.

The 2022 Pinot Noir Knox Alexander is 100% Pinot Noir that was vinified with 25% whole clusters and aged 22 months in 92% new and 8% neutral French oak. It offers redcurrants, cherries, sappy herbs, and floral nuances. Medium-bodied, fresh, and focused, it has nicely integrated acidity and background oak, as well as outstanding length. It’s a balanced Pinot Noir that will keep for a solid decade if well stored.