The 2018 Pinot Noir Elliott Vineyard is one of the more nervous, edgy wines in this lineup. Readers will want to give it a few years to soften, as it is reticent and tightly wound in the early going. Bright mineral and savory notes drive a core of sweet red berry fruit. When I taste the 2018 I think of a lyric tenor voice that, while maybe not big in size, has the resonance to be heard all the way in the cheap seats. The Elliot is a cool, introspective Pinot that will reward those who can spend some time with it.

The medium ruby colored 2018 Pinot Noir Elliot opens with spicy licorice, bitters and cinnamon stick with a core of bright red and black berry fruit plus notes of burnt citrus peel. The palate is light-bodied, bright and saline-laced with a gently chalky structure and ethereal finish.