2006 Zepaltas - Pinot Noir La Cruz Vineyard Pinot Noir - USA - California - Sonoma - Sonoma Coast - Red

Ryan Zepaltas made it look easy last year when his La Cruz Vineyard Pinot Noir, in the first vintage, scored 95 points from The Wine Spectator. Initially concerned that his next vintage might not end up as good, Ryan had his mind eased when the wine was finally ready. He feels it is better than the 2005, and even though I did not taste the debut, I doubt I will be the only one to feel this way about the 2006. The La Cruz is every bit as special as recently showcased domestic Pinot Noir such as Donum, Raptor Ridge, Auteur and Dierberg Estate. <br><br/> The pair of blocks, (Dijon 115 and 114), was picked a month apart and Ryan commented that the earlier-picked 115 was actually riper at harvest than the later-picked 114. It sees 50% new French oak for an 11 month regimen. <br><br/> The lavishly rich nose is classic Pinot Noir framed by saturated red fruits, violet, rose petal and graphite. The palate shows excellent concentration, weight and length with well-defined acidity and polished structure to the black and red cherry, white raspberry and slightly smoky bitter-sweet chocolate notes. It just keeps getting better with air and was profound after 24 hours. It most closely resembles the exemplary 97-point 2005 Donum Pinot Noir Russian River.

Sign in (or register) to create a WinePost on this wine.