{"product_id":"2023-neely-pinot-noir-spring-ridge-vineyard-hidden-block-santa-cruz-mountains-ava","title":"2023 Neely Pinot Noir, Hidden Block\" Santa Cruz Mountains AVA","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\" id=\"p-rc_f1acf042e7c9ffa7-200\"\u003eThe 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. \u003cspan class=\"citation-476 citation-end-476\"\u003eThe 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.\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"citation-475 citation-end-475\"\u003eFrom 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.\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"2\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\" id=\"p-rc_f1acf042e7c9ffa7-201\"\u003eIn the glass, it shines a brilliant, translucent ruby. \u003cspan class=\"citation-474 citation-end-474\"\u003eHigh-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.\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"3\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"citation-473 citation-end-473\"\u003eThe palate is sleek, vibrant, and precise, displaying weightless intensity where ripe red fruit is lifted by a beam of mouthwatering mountain acidity.\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"4\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eUnder-the-Radar Cult Terroir:\u003c\/b\u003e Captures the elusive, high-altitude Santa Cruz Mountain signature—combining the savory complexity of Northern Burgundy with vibrant California fruit purity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\" id=\"p-rc_f1acf042e7c9ffa7-206\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMasterful Balance:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cspan class=\"citation-468 citation-end-468\"\u003eAt 12.7% ABV, it completely avoids heavy, high-alcohol extraction, delivering an energetic, light-on-its-feet red that thrives at the dinner table.\u003csup class=\"superscript\" data-turn-source-index=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"source-inline-chip-container luminous-sources hide-from-message-actions ng-star-inserted\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"source-label-container gds-body-s ng-star-inserted\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"source-title\"\u003eSquarespace\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSingle-Block Expression:\u003c\/b\u003e Sourced exclusively from a tiny 2-acre estate block that ripens with exceptional clarity and perfume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003eHow To Serve It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIdeal Temperature:\u003c\/b\u003e Serve slightly chilled at \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"45\"\u003e55°F–60°F \u003c\/b\u003ein large Pinot Noir \/ Burgundy stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDecanting \/ Prep:\u003c\/b\u003e Pop and pour—give it 20-30 minutes in the glass to allow the subtle floral and pine forest aromatics to unfold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFood Pairing:\u003c\/b\u003e Outstanding alongside duck breast with cherry reduction, pan-roasted pork chops with herbs, wild mushroom risotto, or cedar-planked wild salmon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Neely Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48025004933174,"sku":"SOMM2610-NLY23PNTHB-750","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2023NeelyPinotNoir_HiddenBlockSantaCruzMountainsAVA.png?v=1792515787","url":"https:\/\/sommselect.com\/products\/2023-neely-pinot-noir-spring-ridge-vineyard-hidden-block-santa-cruz-mountains-ava","provider":"SommSelect","version":"1.0","type":"link"}