92 Mark Squires - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2019 Pinot Noir Ecosystem Strofi Single Block was aged for 12 months in new French barriques and comes in at 14.55% alcohol, an uptick from last year's that makes this seem a bit less elegant, but it's chock-full of ripe fruit. This is not as bright and sunny as last year's, but no one's going to call this year's version underripe or understated. It seems to lean more to a warmer style this year. Some will like it better; some will prefer the silkier 2018. It simply depends on your vision of Pinot Noir. This is certainly well done in its style, rich and concentrated, but also balanced and structured. This is a relatively new brand for the winery, so it is not entirely clear what the preferred style is or how they are going to age. In a few years' time, I could see this overtaking the 2018 by acquiring better balance and more elegance as it ages. The exuberant fruit will fold into the whole while the wine remains mouth coating and delicious. I have doubts and questions, in short, but this looks to me like the winner in the end. Come back around 2025 for a clearer answer. This was sourced from vines planted in 2000.