L'Usine Santa Rita Hill Pinot Noir 2020

L'Usine Santa Rita Hill Pinot Noir 2020 is an unapologetically bold, expressive, and opulent California Pinot Noir crafted by iconic winemaker Dave Phinney. Showing a deeper ruby color than traditional interpretations, it opens with a complex and powerful bouquet of dark cherries, ripe pomegranate, wild raspberries, and cherry-chocolate, interwoven with hints of dried herbs, sage, and warm baking spices. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied, rich, and plush, balancing a ripe, slightly sweet-edged fruit profile with a strong varietal backbone of natural acidity. Velvety, fine-grained tannins carry the generous layers of black and red fruits into a lengthy, oak-kissed finish marked by a touch of savory earthiness.

Food Pairing: The bold structure and high-alcohol profile of this Pinot Noir allow it to pair beautifully with richer, more intensely flavored dishes than a typical delicate Pinot. It is a fantastic match for pan-seared duck breast with a cherry reduction, herb-crusted lamb cutlets, grilled pork chops, or mushroom and truffle gnocchi. It also pairs excellently with earthy vegetarian cuisine, game meats, and savory charcuterie platters featuring rich pâté.