2018 Pinot Noir, Lester Family Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mtn
“Quite light in the glass, this bottling offers delicious, fresh and lively aromas of strawberry sorbet, forest floor and peppery spice on the nose. The sip snaps with fresh cranberry and raspberry, sprinkled with thyme and sagebrush, proving both easy-to-drink and thought-provoking at once.” -Wine Enthusiast, 94 points
“Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Terrific nose infused with aromas of cherry, strawberry, red rose bud, sandalwood, and savory herbs. Light to mid-weight stylistically, with a blast of cherry and strawberry fruit that attacks the palate on entry and is expansive through the mid-palate. Very appealing elegance with gentle tannins, a hint of complimentary oak, and a long, juicy, lifted finish. Impressive harmony. Still exceptional when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. A very special value.” -Prince of Pinot, 94 points
“This new 2018 Waxwing Lester Pinot is really filling out nicely and drinking fabulously well with very crisp details forming here showing beautiful layers of black cherry, raspberry, dried cranberry and plum fruits along with a touch of sweet toasty oak, spices, mineral and orange tea. This wine has lots of personality and gains complexity in the glass as it unfolds with each sip adding some mocha and sassafras, delicate floral tones, an element of wild herb and a faint touch of tangy garden strawberries, this might be one of my favorite of Scott Sisemore’s wines to date.” -Grapelive, 94 points
“Sisemore also nailed the 2018 Waxwing Lester Pinot Noir. Many winemakers get a crack at this vineyard, but he makes what is often the most precise expression of that vineyard, capturing its vast tonal range. There is no such thing as too many notes. Bright with red fruits, leaning towards cranberry and pomegranate, this wine evokes autumnal flavors, including chestnut puree. Complex and lithe, it resonates like a cello in a concert hall.” –Laura Ness/Edible Monterey Bay