2021 Bailarin Pinot Noir Manchester Ridge Vineyard, Mendocino Ridge
San Francisco Wine Panel Score 95 Points
Rich if fruit and packed with the mix of savory and feral-earthy counterpoints that are a signature of this vineyard, this is a distinctive and praiseworthy Pinot Noir. The nose offers aromas of dark cherry, ripe Bing cherry, cherry cola, carob molasses, mocha, bresaola, forest-floor spice, sweet tobacco, black tea leaves and toffee. It is as darkly ripe yet quietly zesty on the palate, with good tannins, rich body and a lingering finish of impressive complexity. The flavors are a medley of dark cherry syrup, cherry pie, licorice root, sarsaparilla, soy sauce, dark chocolate and toffee, poised above a subtle undercurrent of peppered beef. Perhaps two years from its full expression, it is now and will always be a fine companion to roasted meats, stews, stuffed turkey and the like. 166 cases produced.