2014 Domaine de la Cote, Sirens Call Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills

Jancis Robinson

Star-bright, transparent ruby red. Beautiful colour. Savoury aromatics with light hints of smoky reduction following to the mouth. The palate is ignited with a savoury sapidity – lots of palate stimulation carrying long through the finish – with flavours of broken rosemary, a sprinkle of rock salt, integrated camphor or smoky herbs, and just a kiss of lightly grilled cherry, that evolve into notes of pure red fruit – cranberry, cherry – with air. Deft integration of oak – it offers a frame to the flavour that brings attention to the wine rather than itself. This wine is intriguing for its ability to deliver a sense of power and concentration while remaining light across the palate. At the same time it drinks as if it is a wine from a quite rugged site – there are very lightly tactile, slightly dry, tannins that transform with exposure to air. This wine easily drinks over several days gaining greater elegance, unison and complexity as it remains open, which speaks well to its future in bottle.