A fantastic Pinot Noir from the Santa Cruz Mountains and Thomas Fogarty that reminds us of Burgundy. Recommended.

91 Points Robert Parker: "Sourced from purchased fruit throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains, the 2021 Pinot Noir offers a lovely overview of the region. The nose straddles red and black fruits with touches of forest floor and oceanic salinity. The palate is fresh and medium-bodied, with succulent acidity and subtle tannins. This is a beautiful introduction to the classic style of the Fogarty wines...

...Thomas Fogarty Winery is one of a handful of historic producers that have become part of the fabric of the Santa Cruz Mountains winemaking culture. Despite advice to the contrary, Fogarty planted his estate vineyards at 2,000 feet in elevation on Skyline Blvd in Portola Valley at the perceived limit of viable viticulture in 1981, which second-generation proprietor Tom Fogarty Jr. now stewards. Winemaker Nathan Kandler produces deft, precise and age-worthy renditions of these sites, as well as select non-estate vineyard sources. The winemaking here has been on a steady ascent in recent vintages, placing some of these wines among the best in the region."

Full of energy, the flavors and texture of this wine are unmistakably Santa Cruz Mountains in origin with cherry fruit highlighted by spice, mineral and tea accents. It should drink well over the mid term, 4-7 years at minimum.  The Thomas Fogarty 2021 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir is sourced from vineyards from four distinct regions within the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. Each vineyard is vinified to highlight it’s own signature identity; this blend harmonizes and intensifies the regional Santa Cruz Mountains character.