Starting out the Pinot Noirs, the base appellation release comes from a mix of the single Vineyards, and it's been a rock-solid buy in every vintage I've been able to taste. The 2019 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands offers a medium ruby hue to go with a spicy, savory, marine-influence bouquet with lots of pretty mulberry and cherry fruits as well as iron and spicy herbs. With good minerality, medium body, ripe yet firm, framing tannins, and a great finish, it's another no-brainer purchase that will evolve for 7-8 years.

The appellation blend gives a great sense of what the Franscionis are accomplishing in their vineyards. Aromas of cola, cherry, raspberry, cigar box and rose petal on the nose lead into baked red currant and an herbal touch of anise on the layered palate. - Matt Kettmann