Most of our Operatives know of the wines of Vice Versa, whose brilliant selections garner 98 point scores while commanding $175+ prices. Lucky for you, we’ve uncovered their sister label, Apriori and today’s juicy, delicious Apriori Cellar 2014 Hicks Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir. This wine is a budget-priced stunner!

This Pinot Noir has medium density with a brooding blood red hue spreading out on the edge to an auburn outer lip. The nose is an interesting cherry blend of bright bing cherry, candied maraschino cherry, and a dark black cherry. That fruit is complemented nicely by dark chocolate and granola spice aromas. The cherry is a big presence on the palate as well with additional flavors of leather, fig, pomegranate, as well as an interesting mango finish. This is what Pinot Noir is supposed to be about: Style and grace. It enters the palate unobtrusively, concentrating on the center of the tongue and expanding outward for an exponentially long finish. This lighter-bodied wine would go nicely with something subtle and savory. Try your hand at an authentic homemade pozole with a decent pepper kick.

Very highly recommended!

.

Here’s what the wine press has to say.

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast - “Cola, black cherry and crushed purple flowers show on the nose of this bottling, one of the first reds to emerge from the 2014 vintage. It’s light and energetic on the palate, with tangy cranberry juice and a touch of licorice.”