A.P. Vin 2004 Clos Pepe Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir

We picked up a new Pinot Noir today at Selland's Market while getting some of their unbelievable carnitas to bring home for dinner. Selland's has a small but extremely well chosen selection of wine, thanks to Josh, and there is always a new small production winery among all the other options every time you go there.

Today's choice for us was the A.P. Vin 2004 Clos Pepe Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir. Having had wine from several producers from this vineyard before I was expecting a wine that I would enjoy. This wine was aged in French oak for 11 months and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only 50 cases made.

In the glass a dense, slightly cloudy, dark garnet color. The nose promise me great things to come with black raspberry, blackberry, some floral, thyme, and wet stone. I take my first sip and can't help but smile. This is gooood..... Dark berries dominate the palate again with some dark cherry and light notes of earthiness. The oak is there but does not stand out, just playing a supporting element together with good acidity and relatively firm but well integrated tannins. The long beautiful finish with earthy berries makes this a wine to remember.

Owner and winemaker is Andrew P. Vingiello has a pretty impressive list of people to thank for advise and help through his start up years. Read more here. No wonder his wines are so high in quality...

At $44.99 this is not cheap wine, but oh so worth it. I am sorry to say that I can't find it online available for purchase. Give Selland's Market above a call for a bottle or two.

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