The 2012 Pinot Noir Mills Vineyard comes from 26-year-old own-rooted vines and was harvest September 20 to October 17. Aged 18 months in 30% new French oak, its semi-opaque ruby color is followed by sensational notes of ripe currants and darker fruits, scorched earth, smoked meats, licorice and chalky minerality. Big, rich, full-bodied and layered, with a huge core of fruit that never seems over the top or heavy, this elegant, profound Pinot Noir can be enjoyed anytime over the coming decade or more. - Jeb Dunnuck

Earthy elements of beet juice, wild raspberry, anise and graphite mark the nose of this single-vineyard wine by Central Coast Pinot pioneer Josh Jensen. It’s tense on the palate, but not exactly sour or bitter, showing tart raspberry, woody juniper and lots of chaparral influence. It’s smooth but the tannins are noticeable.