Matthew Fritz Pinot Noir (75cl, 13.5%)

A Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir from Monterey County, California, produced by Bonanno Vintners under winemaker Jim Milone. The grapes are sourced from the Santa Lucia Highlands and the wine spends six months in French oak. The winemaking approach is clean and fruit-forward, with restrained oak ageing intended to preserve varietal character. The fruit comes from a benchland appellation prized for dramatic diurnal temperature swings and persistent maritime winds off Monterey Bay. The nose opens with ripe wild strawberry and dark cherry, then violet, rose petal, clove, cardamom, tea leaf, grilled mushroom, balsa wood and charred bark. The palate is smooth and medium-bodied, with raspberry and cherry, mushroom, black tea and subtle smoky undertones. The finish is medium, with soft tannins and cherry, smoke and earth.