Martin's Lane 2015 Simes Vineyard Pinot Noir 750ml

Simes is a cooler, steep, north-facing vineyard in East Kelowna, with granite-based soils. The northern aspect is rare, giving this already cold site additional freshness, something vital in the warm 2015 vintage. Six distinct parcels are the source of this pinot noir, along with five clones: 943, 667, 777, 114, 115. After a native fermentation, they are all aged in extra tight grain French oak for 17 months. It is year two for the label, and the style, given the heat, is more forward, with the rich, plummy cola fruit and brown spice reminding me a bit of California Sonoma Coast. A ready-to-drink hedonistic affair.

Score: 91 points -- Anthony Gismondi, gismondionwine.com, 2020