2021 Stolo "Estate" SLO Coast Pinot Noir

Light in the glass, this refreshing bottling pops on the nose with brisk cranberry, thyme and damp fennel aromas. The palate picks up a crisp strawberry character, as thyme and anise notes add depth. This is quaffable yet complex. (MK)

My #1 pick for Thanksgiving in 2023 is the Stolo SLO Coast Pinot Noir. This is just the definition of a bright, fresh, floral, deliciously fruit-forward Pinot Noir that is eminently drinkable, food-friendly and sure to please a crowd. From a tiny estate just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean in Cambria, this is one of very few vineyards on the coastal side of the Santa Lucia Mountains. The ultra-cool, heavily maritime influenced climate produces intensely flavored fruit with vibrant acidity. The 2021 Stolo Estate Pinot Noir was fermented entirely whole cluster and saw only neutral French oak barrels. The wine has a haunting scent of fresh rose petals, baking spice, bramble, clove spiced orange peel, alpine strawberry, ripe raspberry, subtle amaro-like aromatic herbal components punctuate the fresh, juicy fruit. So crushable, and yet complex at the same time. A great bottle that I have already had on numerous occasions and plan on having on my own Thanksgiving table.