1999 Ojai Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard

This is a remarkable pinot noir, made around the time that Gary Pisoni started bottling his own wine. I actually prefer this Ojai version to the current vintages of Pisoni Estate wines (which can be ponderous and highly extracted, exhibiting almost syrah-like color and intensity.)
This is the first time I have had an Ojai Pisoni Vineyard .. and Adam Tolmach has delivered an incredible pinot noir. It took about 3 to 4 hours for this wine to open up and really hit its stride (slow-o in bottle). 
Lovely balance. The darker color belies the nimbleness of the palate. Black raspberry fruit with delicious frutti di bosco ... hints of cardamom on an attractive floral nose that I love in great pinot noir. 
This wine is in its peak drinking window and will remain there for another 2 to 3 years. Bravo to Mr. Tolmach on this gorgeous wine. His pinots never fail to please.