Saint & Scholar With Honours Pinot Noir 2022

From another stellar vintage, the estate blends various clones, notably 777 and 114, for those who like such information. A year maturing in French oak puncheons, with a significant contribution from those which are new, is the usual MO here. For me, this is slightly more refined, offering more finesse and elegance, than the previous vintage and, although both are of excellent quality, my personal preference would lean to this release. No doubt, others will opt for the 2021. Both will please. A crimson/garnet, there are red fruits to the fore here. Raspberries, cranberries, cherries, and with support from dried herbs and undergrowth notes. Still fresh, there is good focus and balance here with very fine tannins, impressive oak integration, a line of bright acidity and a persistent finish. For me, even more to like here, though it really is toss a coin stuff. This has six to eight years ahead of it and there is room for it to improve further over that time.