96 2001 Ojai Bien Nacido Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley) 1/29/11 ($43)14.5%alc
Color: Deep black cherry. Young for 9. (3.5) Bouquet: Black cherry, raisins and spiced beef broth propelled by excellent acidity. Rich, balanced, elegant and very concentrated. (3.5) Body: Intense minerally acidity and excellent fruit. Heavyweight. Rich silky mouthfeel. (3.5) Flavor: Rich black cherry fruit with mineral and acidity lifting it up and making it light on its feet for its size. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor, but even richer with outstanding length. Lively with mineral, mint, oregano and other subtle, complex spices. (3.5)
Overall: From the first sip, I recognized this as being outstanding, but it got better and better in the glass and down the bottle over the course of 2 hours. A truly great Pinot Noir that's about as far from a Burgundy style as you're going to find. Ripe, intense, delicious St. Barbara Pinot with elegance for its size, balance, mineral/acidity and structure. Wow! Decant an hour for now drinking or can go for 2-5 more years. (17.5)
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