The 2021 Liquid Farm Radian Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is a distinguished red wine hailing from the Central Coast region of California, specifically the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. This vintage showcases the nuanced elegance and complexity that Pinot Noir enthusiasts seek.
Jeb Dunnuck highly praises this wine, awarding it a stellar score of 95. He describes the wine as "brilliant," noting its "lighter ruby hue" and "gorgeous aromatics of spiced strawberries, tart cherries, rose petals, spicy herbs, and forest floor." Dunnuck emphasizes the wine's medium-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and exceptional finish, stating that it is "built around nuance and elegance as opposed to power or richness," and suggests that it will evolve beautifully over the next decade. He does, however, caution that the wine is produced in "tiny quantities."
Antonio Galloni of Vinous also rates the 2021 Liquid Farm Radian Pinot Noir at 95, highlighting its luxurious and elegant nature. Galloni describes the wine as having a complex bouquet of "blood orange, lavender, rose petal, mint, and kirsch," which gives it notable character. He points out the "gorgeous depth and textural intensity" of the wine, attributes he considers signatures of the Radian Vineyard site, along with an "exotic quality that is hard to describe."
Erin Brooks of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gives the wine a slightly lower but still impressive score of 94. Brooks notes the pure scents of "raspberry and blackberry jam, aniseed, wildflowers, and lemon peel" framed by integrated oak spices. On the palate, Brooks finds the wine to be medium-bodied with "generous, spicy fruit" and an "alluringly silky texture." The fresh acidity, according to Brooks, compels one to take another "delicious sip."
Overall, the 2021 Liquid Farm Radian Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is celebrated for its nuanced elegance, aromatic complexity, and refined texture. Its limited production makes it a coveted choice for Pinot Noir aficionados.