Fragrant Bing cherry, lavender oil, crushed pomegranate. Sweet black raspberry, ground cinnamon, rhubarb compote. An aromatic explosion of red plum, wild blueberry, and juicy strawberry erupts with broad yet weightless expanse, spilling oodles of clove, violet, and forest floor behind a wave of impressively vivid fruit. Rose essence and a waft of high-toned florals emerge to bolster the bold perfume as white mushroom, undergrowth, and fallen leaves provide a subtle pinch of organic charm. Hints of nutmeg, coriander, and vanilla reveal tasteful barrel spice while sea breeze, sand, and diatomaceous earth point to marine-influenced terroir. Haunting and ethereal on the nose while exhibiting wonderful concentration on the palate; showing nice freshness, balance, and restraint despite its overt plushness. Just over medium in body with soft silky tannin and moderate acidity. This 2018 Drum Canyon Vineyard Pinot Noir by Tolosa Winery is an incredibly expressive and polished red from the Santa Rita Hills.

Although Santa Barbara's Santa Rita Hills sits far south for winegrowing at 34.5 degrees in latitude, this windswept coastal region actually boasts one of the wine world's longest and coolest growing seasons thanks to the moderating influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean. This bottling, crafted by Tolosa Winery using Pinot Noir sourced from the Drum Canyon Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, showcases the unique combination of expansiveness and delicate concentration that this inimitable region is capable of. While it contains an unabashedly ripe fruit profile this wine manages to remain exceptionally light on its feet, achieving wonderful depth of flavor without excess weight or flab. Its acidity is fresh yet not the slightest bit aggressive, allowing for it to be enjoyed today or after medium-term cellaring. Tastefully flamboyant and unquestionably delicious.