Pinot Noir 'William Hines'

Score

96

"The 2022 Pinot Noir William Hines Vineyard is a new wine from Sandhi. It comes from the William Hines Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, which was planted in 2017 with the assistance of Sandhi's winemaker Sashi Moorman. The vineyard faces south on limestone and clay soils and was planted to a density of 4,000 vines per acre. Moorman says he hopes to use vine density to achieve texture in this wine rather than alcohol. "A lot of California wines get concentration from ripeness, but the better way to get concentration is to plant more vines per acre in low-vigor soils," he explains. He notes that some winemakers dehydrate grapes on the vine because density is too low, "but the more sophisticated way is to plant correctly." The William Hines was made entirely with destemmed fruit and is scented of wild berry fruit, pipe tobacco, autumn leaves and graphite, with slowly emerging, savory undertones. The medium-bodied palate is powerful, boasting a concentrated core of nuanced fruit that runs the gamut from bright raspberry and flowers to meaty tones. It has abundant, powdery tannins, fireworks of fresh acidity and a very long, flavorful finish."

Score

91

"A savory note pierces the core of blood orange and damson plum fruit, adding energy through the sleek, sanguine-tinged finish. Offers a textbook AVA profile. Drink now through 2029. 123 cases made."