2012 San Mateo Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
A blend of 60% Family Farm, 30% Horseshoe and 10% Alpine Vineyard, the 2012 Pinot Noir San Mateo County offers lots of peppery herbs, kirsch, spice-box, cola and dried earth to go with a fleshy, forward, textured and impeccably balanced feel on the palate. While this doesn't have the vibrant cut of the other single vineyards, it has plenty of fruit, a full, nicely layered and textured mid-palate, and no shortage of tannin, all suggesting it will evolve nicely going forward. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Crushed rose petals, mint, sweet red berries and cinnamon are some of the many notes that meld together in the 2012 Pinot Noir San Mateo. A wine of precision and nuance, the 2012 impresses for its balance. Sweet and savory notes from the inclusion of 60% whole clusters add lift on the finish. In 2012, the San Mateo is a blend of 60% Family Farm, 30% Horseshoe and 10% Alpine.
Bright ruby. Pungent dark berries and cherry on the nose, with smoky mineral and rose nuances adding complexity. On the palate, juicy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors are complicated by suggestions of licorice and candied rose. Spreads out nicely on the finish, which is framed by supple, well-knit tannins. This sexy pinot is delicious right now.