With a deep ruby core that borders on shades of purple, the 2021 Lucia Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir is quiet in its youth, and the aromas slowly emerge from newly poured glass. As each fleeting moment passes, this wine’s tight profile begins to loosen and reveal waves of aromas. Notes of spice, sandalwood, and vanilla unfurl to reveal sumptuous notes of plum, raspberry, su bois, and floral hints of rose petal. Red berries and black cherry flavors provide a rich, luxurious mouthfeel, while rustic undertones of dried herbs, black tea, and spice from 34% whole cluster fermentation create an experience that is full throttle, yet restrained and elegant all at once. The slow fermentation with exclusively indigenous yeast is partly to thank for the superb purity or fruit and structure. It is the foggy and wind-driven influences of the Santa Lucia Highlands that provides the fresh acidity to ensure this wine will age beautifully into the next decade.