Dolin Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills

Dolin Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2012: The Dolin Estate were early players in the Malibu wine scene, but have expanded to make Pinot Noir with fruit from what they bill as “select vineyard blocks” from everyone’s favorite Central Coast Pinot AVA: the Sta. Rita Hills.

Getting to work with the fine 2012 vintage certainly doesn’t hurt this wine that could be a poster-child for all Sta. Rita Hills is known for: elegance, bright cherry flavors, complexity. (The 20 months of aging in French oak, 18% new barrels, doesn’t hurt either.)

The bottle opens and evolves delightfully if you can avoid gulping it down and instead let it sit through an evening. At $32 it’s a bargain for how much Burgundy you get from the location.

See dolinestate.com.