The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA remains one of California’s most desirable—yet criminaly under-appreciated—terroirs for world-class Pinot Noir. Tucked away in steep, ocean-cooled mountain forests, these low-yielding vines demand backbreaking manual labor, keeping production tiny and away from large commercial distribution. The payoff, however, is unmatched: extreme diurnal temperature swings and ancient, 1-to-3-million-year-old sedimentary clay-loam soils yield wines with high-strung, Burgundian acidity and deeply complex forest-floor character. From Neely's famed Spring Ridge Vineyard in Portola Valley, the 2023 "Hidden Block" sits on a sun-drenched, east-facing saddle planted to Dijon clone 115. Because this site sits bathed in warmth while retaining cool coastal airflow, it yields a Pinot of remarkable purity, transparent mountain berries, and effortless weight.
In the glass, it shines a brilliant, translucent ruby. High-toned aromatics immediately leap out: fresh Bing cherry, wild raspberry, rose hips, and damp redwood forest floor, edged with a touch of crushed pine needle and dried sage. The palate is sleek, vibrant, and precise, displaying weightless intensity where ripe red fruit is lifted by a beam of mouthwatering mountain acidity. Aged for 10 months in roughly 20% new French oak, the barrel integration is silky and imperceptible, allowing the purity of the fruit and stony minerality to shine straight through the long finish. Pop and pour immediately or hold in the cellar over the next 5 to 8 years.
Why You'll Love It
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Under-the-Radar Cult Terroir: Captures the elusive, high-altitude Santa Cruz Mountain signature—combining the savory complexity of Northern Burgundy with vibrant California fruit purity.
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Masterful Balance: At 12.7% ABV, it completely avoids heavy, high-alcohol extraction, delivering an energetic, light-on-its-feet red that thrives at the dinner table.
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Single-Block Expression: Sourced exclusively from a tiny 2-acre estate block that ripens with exceptional clarity and perfume.
How To Serve It
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Ideal Temperature: Serve slightly chilled at 55°F–60°F in large Pinot Noir / Burgundy stems.
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Decanting / Prep: Pop and pour—give it 20-30 minutes in the glass to allow the subtle floral and pine forest aromatics to unfold.
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Food Pairing: Outstanding alongside duck breast with cherry reduction, pan-roasted pork chops with herbs, wild mushroom risotto, or cedar-planked wild salmon.
