This has a sultry nose with violet and dark-cherry aromas, as well as forestwood, sous-bois and spicy, earthy notes. The palate has a very rich delivery of super pure dark cherries and such assertive, driving, older-vine tannins. Delicious pinot with plenty of flavor

2018 was the fifth in a string of warm vintages at Bethel Heights. It was defined by a very dry summer, which made for small clusters and a relatively small crop. July was hot, leading to the first signs of veraison in early August, but our reliable Aeolian winds kept night-time temperatures cool throughout July and August, preserving acidity in the fruit as it ripened. September finally brought a couple of welcome rain events that refreshed the vines and kept them active through the final ripening period. Harvest began in the last week of September and was over by the 10th of October. The fruit came in with the natural concentration of flavor and acidity that one would expect from a hot dry season, but sugar levels were happily moderate.