Plump dark cherry, tea leaf, tart black raspberry. Cranberry compote, ground coriander, blood orange peel. A tremendously deep and expressive fruit core led by wild blueberry, boysenberry, and plum highlights a dark yet delightfully energetic attack pleasantly complicated by complex forest tones of peat moss, pine cone, and Bella mushroom. Hints of fresh violet, iris, and red roses gently provide layers of playful floral charm while pronounced spiced notes of cardamom, nutmeg, and Chinese five spice further bolster aromatics. Suggestions of tilled soil and ocean fog reveal well integrated reflections of terroir before a delightfully polished finish exposes subtle yet pretty notes of new leather. Gorgeously fragrant and seductive on the nose while remaining immaculately silky, supple, and serious on the palate; exhibiting an extraordinarily elegant presentation that possesses outstanding depth and wonderfully restrained power. Medium plus bodied with elevated yet soft tannin followed by bright acidity. This 2019 Gunsalus Vineyard Pinot Noir by Tolosa Winery is an intriguing and irresistable red from the Russian River Valley's Green Valley.

Located northwest of Sebastopol in the most coastal reaches of Sonoma's Russian River Valley, Green Valley is a cool and foggy marine-influenced growing zone that is unquestionably one of California's greatest terroirs for Pinot Noir. This bottling, crafted by Tolosa Winery using Pinot Noir sourced from the Gunsalus Vineyard in Green Valley, is an exciting example of the complexity and balance that this region can uniquely facilitate. While notably dark-fruited in character this wine possesses incredible softness and finesse, and its combination of clean forest tones, eclectic spices, lifted florals, and coastal earthy qualities complicate its presentation while still maintaining a delicate touch. Although incredible today this promises to improve with 5-10 years of bottle age, and it has the potential to age even longer if properly cellared. Outstanding.