2012PatzGapsPN2012 Patz & Hall, Pinot Noir, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast.
James Hall’s latest release from the team at Patz & Hall (celebrating their 25th year) is a blockbuster Pinot from Gap’s Crown, this is a stunning and Grand Cru class wine that is going to blow a few minds. This 2012 Pinot from the Petaluma Gap region of Sonoma is plush and still shedding baby fat in the glass, but given some air and time really turns on the charm and delivers a complex and densely packed array of flavors, along with good verve and energy to match. There is lavish texture and smoky wood notes that standout at this stage but should fold nicely into the wine over the next year or so, still there is harmony and depth even now, this is really fantastic stuff. The nose starts with red fruits, floral tones, smoky toast, mocha and leads to a full palate of raspberry, black cherry, plum and tangy red currants along with touches of cedar, minty licorice, toffee, earth and briar. The drive is there too and at 14.2% this is not over done, a fine lift of acidity with savory and salty elements also rise up and add balance, this is one of the best Gap’s Crown Pinots I’ve had, with glorious detail and presence and it should drink great for many years to come, and while the price might be a shock, it really is a wonderful effort that should certainly be taken very seriously.
($70 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive

 

avail at www.sfwtc.com ($69.95)

By admin