This is understandably somewhat tired. But it’s an odd sort of tired: not almondy, rachety vegetal typical pinot tired–just a chubby sort of tired. More of a *Paso* sort of tired. Imagine that! It’s very good and I am drinking it tonight and not opening a back-up: it is nowhere NEAR that fatigued. Beautiful, actually, with mere signals here and there it will not be improving further. OR WILL IT??? Tough calll on any wine at this juncture. I mean… I’ve had Marc Goldberg’s wines at this age which were TWICE as gone and everyone decried them timeless and elegant. I’ve had RRV’s and Oregon’s half this age already showing signs of shutting down. On the flip-side, I’ve had ABC’s twice this age showing less wear. Pinot’s a funny game. That’s why we love it. And hate it. And love it. And hate it.

Dryed-out fruit and a rich and buttery palate are the game here, everything soldered down into a glossy meld between acid and varietal typicity. There’s a bubble-gum cherry vying for identity along rails of smoldering funk and chocolate structure. A take-it-or-leave-it sorta gauntlet of Pinot-appreciation exists for the 1% here, as a bit of heat churns through onto complacent background. It’s fucking Garey! Wonder if there’s any new vintages.

2014 POMAR JUNCTION ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir Garey VYD Santa Maria VYD Santa Barbara Co. Central Coast 14.8

https://pomarjunction.com/