Thomas Fogarty Henry Ayrton's Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains 2019 (1.5L) *
Product price
$99.99
Description
High in California's Santa Cruz Mountains, Pinot Noir takes on a cooler, more structured cast than the plusher versions grown further south, and this single-block bottling from Thomas Fogarty leans into that seriousness. The 2019 comes from the Henry Ayrton's Block of the Rapley Trail Vineyard, a focused expression of the varietal that trades prettiness for depth. Whole-cluster fermentation adds a savory dimension to what is otherwise a dark and concentrated wine.
This is Pinot with muscle. Dark cherry arrives first, followed by incense, graphite, and a lick of clove, all carried on a palate that feels dense and brooding rather than delicate. The whole-cluster component lifts and brightens the finish, keeping the weight in check. Tightly wound in its youth, it wants a few years in the cellar to unwind and soften.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Producer | Thomas Fogarty |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Size | 1.5 L |
| Subtype | Still |
Expert Reviews
The 2019 Pinot Noir Rapley Trail Vineyard Henry Ayrton’s Block is a powerhouse. A blast of dark cherry fruit, incense, graphite and cloves races across the palate. There’s real depth and density here, with whole clusters that brighten up the finish. The 2019 needs at least a few years to soften. It is one of the more imposing, brooding wines in this lineup. (Vinous, May 2022)