2021 Cep Vineyards Estate Pinot noir, West Sonoma Coast

This is the bargain of the vintage; a true West Sonoma Coast Pinot noir from the excellent 2021 vintage with impeccable balance and site expressiveness. The lifted aroma of the 2021 Cep Pinot features pomegranate, raspberry, cranberry, clove, and tarragon. Fruit on the palate mirrors though begins to hint at darker cherry and plum notes.

There is a redwood and cedar frame to the fruit and a ras el hanout spice note peeks in and out (if you don’t know this spice blend, I recommend you go and sniff it out. It is excellent with chicken and pork.) This a harmonious, elegant Pinot noir and not a juicy bruiser. The weight on the palate is medium and the acidity is mouth-watering though not aggressive. The tell-tale Peay Pinot noir aromas of dried pine needle, jasmine tea, and earth linger in the after-taste. This wine offers charm, complexity, and value.