2011 Arnot-Roberts Pinot Noir Peter Martin Ray Vineyard

(made with 100% whole clusters and aged in neutral oak; 12.7% alcohol): Bright red. Fresh red berries and Asian spices on the high-pitched, floral-accented nose. Racy and taut, offering zesty raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that are given bite by a note of white pepper. Gains sweetness and depth with air and finishes on a candied rose note, with striking clarity and length.

Another stunning wine from the Santa Cruz Mountains, the 2011 Pinot Noir Peter Martin Ray Vineyard is tightly wound today, but it is hard not to see the wine’s potential. Bright dark red fruit, sage, rosemary, cedar and a multitude of savory aromas and flavors are found in the glass. The 100% whole clusters are a bit prominent today, but there is more than enough fruit to prove balance. In another few years, the 2011 should be stunning. Actually, it already is. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Roberts were in high spirits on the day I saw them, as the San Francisco Chronicle had just named them Winemakers of the Year, well-deserved recognition for this talented duo who have known each other since childhood. As for the wines, well, they were pretty special, as I hope these notes make clear. Meyers and Roberts use a fair bit of whole clusters and shy away from doing too much in the cellar, which means the wines are made with natural yeasts and see minimal handling in the cellar. Tel. (707) 820-1383