2018 Hess Select Pinot Noir ($19)

Founder Donald Hess instilled in his family business the thought that one should “nurture the land and return what you take.”

The Hess winemaking team likes to explore California’s Central Coast growing region when searching for great Pinot Noir, with a fondness for the famed Santa Lucia Highlands region.

The Sarmento Vineyard from the Santa Lucia Highlands is featured in this vintage of Hess Select Pinot Noir. Located on the benchlands of the Gabilan Mountains of Monterey, where the Pacific breezes boldly cross the range each afternoon to cool the vineyards, resulting in extended ripening over a long, moderate growing season.

On the nose, this Hess Select Pinot Noir has wonderful aromas of black cherry, plum along with earthy notes. On the palate you get medium-bodied flavors of black cherry and dark stone fruit in an almost jammy fruit bundle. Winemaker Dave Guffy says this wine has “…elegant aromas leading to luscious layered fruit flavors, most notably of rich red raspberries and black plum. This delicious palate is highlighted by a touch of clove all wrapped in well-structured, silky tannins.”

Finding a California Pinot Noir at this price and with such wonderful flavors is indeed a treat. Look for this Hess Select Central Coast Pinot Noir. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White, Donna White Communications