2012 Samsara, Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills.
Chad Melville’s Samsara wines are all super examples of artisan winemaking and are just plain super, if you’ve not had any, you should very soon, especially this delicious new 2012 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot, which is all ready drinking fantastic. This whole cluster fermented Pinot offers up a floral and exotic bouquet on the perfumed nose and the palate explodes with pomegranate, red cherry, plum, strawberry and wild berry along with red tea, lavender and cinnamon stick giving a almost savory spicy kick here, plus a long lush finish. This wine should settle in and become silky smooth over the next few years, but the drive and youthfulness are appealing now, I love the interesting character and vibrancy this wine has, this is going to be a vintage to stock up on, watch out, Pinot from 2012 are going to be mind-blowing, and this one is a great way to kick off your collection. I adore the Samsara Syrah line too, with Chad’s Melville making a huge impression, but I keep coming back to his Pinots, and this entry level 2012 is a killer deal.
($30 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
avail at sfwtc.com ($29.95)