Bright medium ruby with wide clear edges.  Big nose of flowery nutmeg sage wrapped in India-ink and redwood. A touch smoky, round and plush to a fault, the prettiest softest down pillow your head could sink into completely shutting off the cold world in the loving arms of perfect cherry fruit, caramel and Anderson Valley briar.

I have been a huge fan of Lazy Creek Vineyard since I discovered it in Anderson Valley treks in the earl 90’s.  At that time, the older German couple owned it and produced only a Pinot Noir and a dry Gewurztraminer.  The property was relatively undeveloped–we had to ford a stream to get there–and no tasting room per se existed.  Shortly thereafter, a young couple bought it and continued to produce the exemplary wines and modernized the visiting experience somewhat.  A Ferrari Carano property now, but my 25-yr love affair with Lazy Creek is unabated, although I have not visited since that change.

In the mouth, oak and clover Heaven-bombs push clean lush graphite and lead shavings toward the waterfront but an oxidized chain link fence keeps everyone from falling in too deep.  Elegant and smooth–yes, I just used *smooth* in a descriptor–it packs in gobs of sumptuous fruit in a completely-non-funky interpretation of Pinot, putting emphasis on minerality and clean fruit and spice while leaving barnyard completely out of the equation.  A nice tingle of tannin compliments the finish on this vineyard-designate special bottling.

2013 LAZY CREEK VINEYARD Pinot Noir Middleridge Ranch Anderson Valley Mendocino Co. 14.4

http://lazycreekvineyards.com/