Dried Bing cherry, sautéed mushroom, rhubarb purée. Boysenberry preserves, fallen pine needle, dehydrated raspberry. Noticeably aged yet still thoroughly expressive explosions of ripe strawberry, dried cranberry, and crushed blueberry boom with intriguing and nicely developing complexity as notes of damp forest floor, dried leaves, and moss contribute layers of alluring organic charm. Wafts of plucked rose petal, dried lavender, and potpourri contribute somewhat weighty floral perfume that is lifted and livened by ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, clove, and a range of pronounced baking spices. Hints of worn leather, soy sauce, and feathered game reassert bits of umami-laden tertiary nuance as impressions of iron, ocean air, and saline minerality provide subtle glimpses of coastal earthiness. Wonderfully aromatic and outgoing on the nose while remaining forward yet tremendously multidimensional on the palate; exhibiting excellent depth and balance within a presentation that is undoubtedly close to reaching its drinking peak. Medium plus in body with moderate tannin backed by bright acidity. This 2013 Estate Pinot Noir by Black Ridge Vineyards is a well made and fascinating aged red from the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Located on a picturesque redwood-studded mountain range between Silicon Valley and the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Cruz Mountains is one of California's most historic winegrowing regions and continues to produce absolutely world class wine to this day. This bottling, crafted by Black Ridge Vineyards using Pinot Noir grown at their estate vineyard above Los Gatos, beautifully showcases the combination of steep slopes, ocean breezes, and ample sunshine that makes wine from the Santa Cruz Mountains so special. Now at 8 years of age this wine sings with a wonderfully developed melange of red and blue fruits complicated by pleasantly earthy forest tones, savory umami notes, bold florals, and spice. Though it should hold for at least another 3-5 years in the cellar this is ready to drink today, as its ripe fruit has now receded to allow delicious tertiary notes to shine. Excellent.