Brooks "Rastaban" Estate Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir 2019

Vin Chicago: 93+ Points

(7/2024) At 13.5% it's right where you'd like it to be. The vines for this wine come from three clones and were planted back in the late-1970's at the long certified Demeter biodynamic estate vineyard at the winery in Amity, the energy of the wines from these types of farms are enough to have me buy-in to what some locals lovingly refer to as PooPoo Voodoo. Nothing strange here, clean thoughtful holistic viticulture combined with classic winemaking for its destemmed fruit and a slow 18 month elevage in French oak. A small 600 case production, the winery sells this one today for $88! Vin Chicago magic delivers it for a lot less. There's a wonderful interplay here of fresh wild raspberry and strawberry, with a tipple of red plum and the essence of blue fruit skin and gobs of fresh wild green herbs, crushed florals, black tea, orange zest and cinnamon stick. There's a coolness and vivacity here that most of all just makes me love it. Food friendly while never requiring it, have it with pork chops, blistered tomatoes, collards and buttery grits. Or salmon; that will never fail.