2014 Varner Pinot Noir Spring Ridge Vineyard Picnic Block

Double decanted and aerated for an hour. Drinking well from the start and opened up nicely over the course of the evening.  Smooth ,fine tannins make for a very approachable wine at this young stage.

 Aromatics are highly pleasing with a sous bois component that reminds me of a fine Volnay. Savory red fruit , tobacco, and forest floor. No angular edges on this one. There are intriguing  hints of complexity that will continue to develop. 

I like what Bob and Jim Varner have accomplished with both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Santa Cruz Mtns. Their Chardonnays have reminded me of a fine Meursault on occasion.