2012 Mail Road Wines Pinot Noir Mt. Carmel
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Even better, the 2012 Pinot Noir Mt Carmel Vineyard is off the charts. Seeing 10% whole cluster inclusion and aged 16 months in 33% new French oak, it has incredible aromatics of cassis, licorice, spring flowers and spice that flow beautifully to a medium to full-bodied, energetic and elegantly styled palate. Nothing is out of place, it has awesome purity of fruit, and a classically styled, focused finish. Superb on all accounts and one of the top Pinot Noirs I was able to taste for this report. Another Matt Dees project, with Ruben Solorzano managing the vineyard, Mail Road Wines is focused exclusively on the Mount Carmel Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, and they have long-term contracts on 3-4 different blocks. These beauties will knock your socks off and they were easily some of the top wines I was able to taste for this report! The 2013s, which were all tasted out of barrel, should be close in quality to the 2012s. Tel: (805) 451-4440; www.mailroadwines.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
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A model of grace and understatement, the 2012 Pinot Noir Mt. Carmel Vineyard is all about finesse. Freshly cut roses, violets, spices and crushed rocks all add nuance to this transparent, crystalline Pinot endowed with striking finesse. This weightless, utterly impeccable Pinot Noir will transport readers straight to the windswept, rugged hillsides of the Sta. Rita Hills.