The 2014 Pinot Noir Durell Vineyard is the most intense and powerful of the Lutum Pinot Noirs. Beams of tannin give the wine its super-distinctive shape and size. Bright red and purplish-hued fruits, smoke, tobacco, licorice, game and spices give the Durell an element of exoticism that is impossible to miss. Powerful and structured to the core, the 2014 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own.

Moving to the reds, the 2014 Pinot Noir Durell Vineyard comes mostly from clay and loam soils and spent 15 months in 36% new French oak. Notes of black cherries, strawberries, toasted bread and wild herbs flow to a seamless, silky, polished Pinot Noir that has fine tannin and a perfectly balanced, charming style. Drink it over the coming 5-6 years.

Black cherry, peppery spice, angular acidic finish. Light tannin, strong oak spice influence on the finish. (RH)