As floral, earthy and perfumed as it is fruity, the Campion Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands makes me think of violets, talc, rhubarb, wild red cherries, dark green olives, cedar and light cocoa. I call it lighter & brighter in the spectrum of California Pinot, especially in the Santa Lucia Highlands realm (see below). It’s very good wine because it has a strong, ripe core of red fruits in the mouth and all the non-fruit flavors are classic and ideal for cool-climate Pinot Noir. This is a great choice for one who likes Burgundy on a budget and New Zealand Pinot Noir.
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An intriguing wine, owned and skillfully made by winemaking veteran Larry Brooks. This is not your typical Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot as it’s more delicate and high-toned than most from there. Reminds me more of a Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir, in fact.
