Mission Codename Parr with the best
“A top source of cool-climate Pinot Noir.” – Vinous
And 95 Points from Wine Advocate and just $30 – honestly, need we say more?
We will. Because it actually gets even better.
Rajat ‘Raj’ Parr is the Sommelier to the Stars turned vintner behind Stolo. He is typically responsible for wines much higher priced than this little gem we bring you today. Think Domaine de la Côte and Sandhi from sites nearby but in the $100 + range. After learning the trade under the legendary Larry Stone, Parr headed up wine lists for the Michael Mina restaurant group, so the man knows his wine.
As if all that notoriety isn’t enough, the man was granted a popular blog under Wine Spectator and San Francisco Chronicle calls him **“California’s most influential sommelier-turned-winemaker” for good reason. Parr strives for perfect balance, and he just does not miss.
And the man knows good vineyards. Stolo Vineyard is in Cambria, California and inside the newly minted San Luis Obispo (SLO) Coast AVA. Shepherded by the Stolo family, the vineyard was planted in 2008 to the Rochioli clone. Pinot nerds will know that clone from the first-class property in Sonoma County.
Back to the 95 points: “it’s a transparent, easy-to-drink Pinot Noir to enjoy over the next 3-5 years.” We couldn’t agree more. Whole cluster and no new oak on this beauty give it depth, character and fresh bright fruit that left us speechless. Flavors of cherry and forest rain wrap around silky, delicate tannins.
Not much of this to go around and with 95 points and 45% off, what we do have won’t last long.
Get to it, Ops!
95 Points – Wine Advocate
“The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate, made with whole clusters but without new oak, has a pale ruby color and aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, orange peel, potpourri, iodine and flint. The medium-bodied palate is fresh and pure with soft, chalky tannins, loads of crunchy fruit, and tremendous bitters-like accents driving the detailed finish. It’s a transparent, easy-to-drink Pinot Noir to enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Drink 2023-2028.”
What the Winery Says
2021 SLO Coast Estate Pinot Noir
- Winemaker
- Rajat Parr
- Varietal
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Vintage
- 2021
- Alcohol
- 13.8%
- Appellation
- SLO Coast, Central Coast
- Aging
- 10 months
- Barrels
- 20% new French oak