2006 Pandol, Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains.
I found this in my cellar, I had believed I had drunk them all ages ago, so it was fun to go back and try this very handcrafted Pinot by Jenny Pandol, it was her first public release from select sites in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Jenny has sourced fruit from Windy Oaks, Schultze Family and in 2008 made a glorious Alfaro Family Pinot, and if memory serves me, there were only 2 or 3 barrels of the 2006 made. I remember this being a finicky wine when young, but now with the age it is really coming together nicely, and it drunk super delicious last night with dried currants, tangy cherry and pouched plum leading on the silky palate while fennel, wilted roses, tea spices and truffle/earth notes add complexity. A touch of cedar, vanilla and soft wood toast come through on the finish with some raspberry tart. There’s not likely much of this wine around, sadly, but if you come across it, it is really tasty.
($30 Est.) 92+ Points, grapelive
