The 2016 vintage of the Four Vineyards Pinot Noir is round, balanced with incredible depth and exhibits the best attributes of both the 2012 and 2013 vintages. Though maybe not politically correct, the French use the terms “masculine” or “feminine” to describe a wine’s presence. If these terms were applied to RSV’s The Four Vineyards, it would fall into the masculine camp. Reminiscent of a young and tightly wound Old World Pinot Noir (Bonne Mares anyone?), it is initially subdued and needs a bit of time to open, but shows more richness as it airs in the glass. The wine has notes of briar, strawberry, pomegranate, red plum, white tea, and tobacco with a touch of dried rose-like savory complexity. A vibrant first impression evolves into a brooding mid-palate before expanding into an incredibly long finish.
