2021 Roy Piper Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
Community Tasting Note
jfslikeswine Likes this wine:
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - I thought Roy's 2021 Pinot from Sanford & Benedict was incredible.
It has that utterly pure, precise red fruit expression that always screams Santa Rita Hills to me - crunchy Bing cherries, ripe raspberries and layers of wild strawberry. In his release letter Roy said Henri Jayer was his influence when making this wine, and it shows as the wine has a Grand Cru burgundy level of complexity that makes me think old-vine Echézeaux.
I decanted per Roy’s suggestion, and upon opening up the nose was stunning. Rose petal, orange peel, savory spices and sandy soil tones.
On the palate it's dense and concentrated but not heavy at all. That Santa Barbara acidity just lights it all up.
Flavors of tart cranberry and pomegranate are laced with earth, dried herbs, cocoa and hints of smoke. Underlying mineral notes add to the complexity.
The middle weight is gorgeous - silk but with structure.
Beautiful, long finish, with strawberry and tea leaf notes that won't quit. Pinot like this takes you on a journey. You can sense the cool coastal influences along with the Echézeaux-like rustic character.
Who knew that the Napa Cab guru would craft beautiful, old-world Burgundy styled Pinot. Knocked it out of the park Roy, can’t wait to see what you release next.
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Comment posted by VinVinumWine:
3/20/2024 8:49:00 AM - Interesting…we both picked up the orange peel component and found it to be Burgundian. I emailed Roy asking for a few more bottles but sounds like he only made 85 cases and sold out within an hour or two of release. I have two remaining, will be fun to try with some age on it.