Out of all the small vineyards that Adam Tolmach wrings Pinot Noirs from, I think Fe Ciega is my favorite. As with all of them, this is a carefully crafted masterpiece evident with each sip. At pop, this one is going to need around 60 minutes to breathe; initially alcohol is very prominent (Melissa thought medicinal), but remember this pinot has been napping for a number of years now – give it time to wake. Afterwards, time has paid off. It has a wonderful bouquet of gentle black cherry and blackberry, some organic earthiness, and a little shack-cured tobacco or stirrings of tea (as it progressed). Body was full, ruby coloration all the way to the meniscus. Very balanced, black cherry, some wet earth and very mild white oak. The finish was short on baked black cherry, yet long of mild, tart tannins; a little sage and black tea wafts across mid-palate at the end. Cherry transitioned from black to red as this one breathed, slightly brighter too. Overall, a perfect integration of fruit, alcohol, and tannins, subtle Old World execution, not a full on fruit bash like some California pinot. If you like crafted pinots, this is your bottle. 92

One of the best pinots I have ever tasted!

Loved it!