Sunday, June 25, 2017

2014 Waxwing Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains Lester Family Vineyard


My first thought as this juice danced around my mouth, "Am I in Pinot Heaven?" It's these small production gems that Cellar Angels unearth which makes me smile as a devoted "angel."

Waxwing Wines founded in 2006 by Scott Sisemore  ironically during a period when he chose to be a stay at home Dad. He wanted to focus on small lot wines as well as favorite varietals Pinot Noir and Syrah from the beautiful Sonoma Coast. This was not Scott's first rodeo as he was already making wine for some highly respected California producers. He has even made wine in Chile and India. As you can guess yes the name of the wines has a direct correlation with the north american songbird who can be seen eating berries in spring or winter.


Grapes were harvested from the Lester Family Vineyards located just 2-3 miles from the Pacific at an elevation of 600 feet. Sandy, loamy soil (sand particles with clay and sediment which provides structure and fertile growing) greet these Pinot vines along with that cooling fog so key to cool climate wines. The vineyard has never seen a herbicide so kudos to vineyard manager Prudy Foxx.

The nose so exquisite with ripe red cherries and a bouquet of fresh cut roses followed by an attractive aromatic spice note. The mouth is so bright and juicy with inviting red fruit. Juicy cherries and raspberries with hints of spice and a touch of strawberry. Classic pinot character and I especially love the finish. If you love cherry and you love pinot then by the wino power vested in me buy this now! Well done winemaker.

Thanks Martin for finding this gem and allowing we angels to purchase. Scott you keep making these wines and I'll keep treating my palate.

Cheers
Dan
 




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