2013 Pinot Noir Falstaff Vineyard

Jamie Kutch continues to show notable ambition with his wines. A Burgundy and Piedmont fanatic, Kutch crafts mid-weight, gracious Pinots built on expressive aromatics, chiseled fruit and an overall sense of energy. In 2013 Kutch adds a new Pinot from Bohan, while in 2014 there is a Pinot from Hellenthal as well as a Chardonnay. Kutch reported that malos were early in 2013, so, as a result he opted to bottle in July 2014, a much shorter elevage than the 2012s, all of which were still in barrel at this time last year. I also tasted a Kutch's new 2014 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay, which was still in the middle of its malolactic fermentation. The sample I saw suggested a wine of considerable promise.