2014 Big Basin Pinot Noir Lester Family Vineyard
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The 2014 Pinot Noir Lester Family Vineyard has proven to be a totally unpredictable wine. Perhaps the 100% whole clusters have something to do with that. At times, the 2014 has been quite delicate, while in other moments is has shown much more fruit depth. Today, the whole cluster signature is especially evident and overpowering.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Big Basin's 2014 Pinot Noir Lester Family Vineyard has developed very nicely over the last year. Spice, star anise and orange peel give the wine much of its distinctive personality. Early notes of aromatic maturity are starting to set in. I would prefer to drink the 2014 sooner rather than later.
The 2014 Pinot Noir Lester Family Vineyard reveals a vibrant ruby color to go with lots of spice-box, garrigue, licorice and both red and black fruits. Like the other cuvées here, it saw 100% whole clusters followed by 15 months in 25% new French oak. Comparatively, the stems are better integrated here, and it has a sappy, medium-bodied, structured feel on the palate that will benefit from short-term cellaring and evolve gracefully for a decade or more.
The 2014 Pinot Noir Lester Family Vineyard has come together nicely over the last year. Bright, sculpted and energetic, the 2014 offers lovely aromatics and fine balance. Readers should cellar the 2014 for at least a year, as it is tightly wound today. Bright red cherry, red plum, chalk and white pepper linger on the close.