A cloudy looking Pinot in the glass, this is an interesting beast.  I have never seen a wine look so unfiltered, yet taste so refined.  A whopping 14.7% alcohol was so deftly masked that it can really sneak up on the unsuspecting.  A mix of Old and New World styles, I was intrigued by this wine from Santa Barbara County.  It showed off an interesting mix of cherry and cloves, a certain spiciness I have never tasted before.  Very smooth, I mean like ‘Buttah’.  Very well integrated tannins and a juicy acidity leave you with a nice mouthfeel.  We drank two bottles and they were identical, no variation.  A serious Pinot Noir that is hitting peak and should last another 5 years minimum.  At $40 plus, it’s not an everyday drinker, but certainly worthy of a Sunday Roast, perhaps Veal Saltimboca or even a cheese plate after dinner.  4 stars and 92 points in my books.