2018 Bruliam Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard
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The 2018 Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard is dark and a little somber, bearing a core of super-ripe blue/black berry fruit, plum and black licorice, with accents of crushed rocks, grilled herbs, lavender and orange peel. Mouth-coating and broad, the 2018 is in a solid spot for drinking now, but it's lost a little freshness. The tannins are fully resolved, while the finish is a tad hot.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
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The only release from the Santa Lucia Highlands, the 2018 Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard was all destemmed and brought up in 38% new French oak. It has plenty of darker, almost chocolatey berry fruits as well as medium to full body, a round, supple texture, lots of spice and underbrush nuances, light tannins, and a good finish. It's a solid, balanced, satisfying Pinot Noir to drink over the coming 4-5 years.
Dark, bright-rimmed red. Spice-tinged red fruits, incense and floral qualities on the perfumed nose, along with a building mineral topnote. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry, rose pastille and exotic spice flavors that show fine delineation and appealing sweetness. Deeply flavored but graceful as well, finishing on a gently tannic note, with strong, red-fruit- and spice-driven tenacity.