J. Lohr 2016 Pinot Noir, Falcons Perch, Monterey

Falcon’s Perch Pinot Noir is produced from cool climate grapes grown in select vineyards within and surrounding the Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands regions of central Monterey County. This region has earned a well-deserved reputation for producing world-class Pinot Noir. Over the past decade, the introduction of Dijon clones of Pinot Noir, along with the old standby Pommard clone, has dramatically increased the quality of the varietal here. These newer clones are the backbone of this release of Falcon’s Perch, named for the bird which had made its home in the lone pine tree among the vines, safeguarding the grapes from vertebrate pests while preserving the ecosystem’s natural balance. Fermented 7 to 10 days on the skins with light pumpovers and daily punchdowns. the wine was aged two thirds in stainless steel tanks and one third in French oak barrels. This was named Best in Class in the Pacific Rim Wine Competition and received Gold Medals in both the Houston Livestock Wine Competition and the San Antonio Wine Competition. Tasting Panel Magazine scored this 91 points saying "Grapes from cool-climate vineyards in Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands perform fantastically for this high-flying Pinot. With its nose of red tea and oregano, the fruit develops on the palate, showcaseing ripe cherries, sage, powdered "talc" tannins and a lean acidity."