Domaine Eden Pinot Noir 2017, Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Domaine Eden is a mountaintop wine estate purchased by Mount Eden Vineyards in 2007. Modeled after Mount Eden, initially planted with Mount Eden clonal selections of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, which evolved to include Pinot Noir from various Dijon and California selections. It is the former home of Cinnabar Winery.The Domaine Eden Pinot is a classic interpretation of the variety. The word is “elegant” – nothing is exaggerated or out of place and the acidity is balanced with moderate alcohol. It is just as it should be. Barrel regime: French Burgundy, 1-5 years old. Bottled August 2018; no fining or filtration. This is a powerful vintage with a deep red color. On the nose, there is an immense perfume of sandalwood, damp earth, violets and red raspberry. The palate frames layers of red fruit flavors with bright acidity and modest tannins. The overall complexity and generosity are beguiling. This wine displays the potential of the variety going back to the Burgundian, Paul Masson and his pivotal Pinot Noir planted in 1900.