This wine doesn’t exude the kind of gloriousness typical of California Pinot–even from Radian–and for that I can only chalk it up to youthfullness. Brash and steely–even a bit austere–its violently-purple-pink rim telling a story begging of age. Almost Gamay-like in nuance and texture, but there’s far more brooding down in there for discovery, as it goes more *spatburgunder* on the palate.. Clean and slightly flowery in the nose, it hints at funk and Pinot-essence but only barely.

In the mouth, it follows suit: thin fruitiness combines light berry and ridiculous acidity in a package rather subdued but packed with potential. I’m going to guess WELL below 14-oh and while ripe by French standards, a far cry from the SRH’s we have come to expect. Mouthfeel descends into pithy structure almost instantly. Many people reading this–or tasting it–might be turned off by their sweet-tooth not being titillated, but purists will be in love. Put it away: it’s here for the long-run.

2022 DUSTY NABOR Pinot Noir Radian Vyd Santa Rita Hills Santa Barbara Co 13.0

http://dustynaborwines.com/