2018 Pinot Noir Saffron Fields Vineyard

Jay McDonald’s light hand in the winery served his 2018s well, as they show little sign that they were the product of a hot year. That was the case with his 2017s and 2016s as well, and in fact, this is a terrific address to know for Pinot lovers who value energy and detail over richness and power. McDonald is judicious with his use of new oak, and the amount hovers around 20%, across the range. All that said, the 2018s definitely don’t lack for impact, either aromatically or flavor-wise. They’re also quite well-balanced and set for a graceful evolution, for those with the patience to wait, while delivering solid pleasure of the primary sort right now.