Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir Mindego Ridge Vineyard 2018 (1.5L) *

Cool-climate Pinot Noir grown high in California's coastal hills, the Mindego Ridge Vineyard bottling from Thomas Fogarty represents the more serious, structured end of what this grape can do in the state. This 2018 comes from a single vineyard site and shows the concentration that Pinot lovers chase, marrying elegance with real depth.

This is a dense, dramatic expression, layered and full of energy rather than shy. Black cherry leads, edged with lavender, rose petal, spice and a lift of dried herbs. There is intensity here, a wine that fills the glass and holds its shape, generous but composed. It rewards patience and a little time in the glass.