Montsecano Refugio Pinot Noir 2019

The 2018 Refugio Pinot Noir also follows the line of the 2018 Montsecano. It is fresher and from a cooler vintage when the grapes were picked a little less ripe and the maceration was shortened. The nose is spectacular, a mix of wild herbs, flowers and berries, some rose petals and even a touch of citrus peel, coming through as aromatic and fresh. The palate is perhaps a tad lighter than previous vintages and perhaps a little more "natural." But it has very good complexity, developing aromas of violets with time in the glass, and it has lots of freshness and balance.

Refugio is the cheaper of the two Montsecano Pinots and is sourced from Julio Donoso's vineyards and those of his uncle. Fermented in concrete eggs with 30% whole bunches, it has a savoury, slightly feral palate with some spritz, juicy red berry fruit and fine-grained tannins. 2020-22

Cedar, strawberry, flower, light iodine, and oyster shell. Medium to full body, silk tannins and a juicy finish. Shows soul. From Alsace's Andrew Ostertag and Julio Donoso... Made from biodynamic grown grapes. (5/2016)