2006 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands

A worthy successor to the opulent 2005 vintage, this 2006 offering is even more complex and mouth-filling than its predecessor. Half the blend is comprised of the three clones from Sleepy Hollow Vineyard (Martini, 113, and 667); the wine displays abundant dark fruits that are site specific, but even more of the place are the gorgeous aromas and flavors of wild mushroom, pine needles, soy, and forest floor. In the mouth, one gets a burst of ripe red cherry fruit (a Paraiso contribution, perhaps), which turns to darker cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate notes on the long finish (Sarmento, here). Structurally, the wine is a wonderfully rich drinking experience: round entry, fruit-dominant middle, and a great acidity and medium tannin on the finish. This wine will age effortlessly for 5-7 years if stored correctly.