2021 Talisman Pinot Noir Wildcat Vineyard, Sonoma Coast

San Francisco Wine Panel Score 97 Points

This is a truly captivating wine that showcases the unique fruit and spice mix typical of this great vineyard along with the splendor of a near ideal grape harvest and the pleasure that bottle aging can bring. The nose is densely fruit-packed, as scents of black cherry preserves, boysenberry and a suggestion of dried orange peel take center stage while finding harmony with lush undercurrents of licorice root, baking spice, hazelnut, mace and firming minerality to create a fairly dramatic combination. It is tongue-coating rich on the mid-palate yet the brilliant fruit and spice combination never flags and the entire impactful medley keeps its focus and intensity through a very long, seductively food-worthy finish. Potentially even better next year, this utterly delicious wine is already as fine as could be hoped. 212 cases produced.