Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains 2014

Thomas Fogarty is one of a handful of scorching hot wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains that have taken the wine world by storm. A once forgotten AVA, the whole region has seen their popularity explode thanks to a few key players. Along with neighbors Ceritas, Rhys and Arnot-Roberts, the overall quality in the last decade out of Santa Cruz has been phenomenal, and represents tremendous value; no where more so than Thomas Fogarty.

Antonio Galloni is one of a few critics that can’t seem to get enough of the boutique winery. He called it, “The single most exciting estate in Santa Cruz that people likely haven’t heard about” The reason? Quantities are too small! The quality though is off the charts. Galloni wasn’t done though– he took it a step further saying, “readers should do whatever they can to taste these fine, handcrafted wines from proprietor Tommy Fogarty and winemaker Nathan Kandler.”.

Luckily, we did the dirty work for you. The 2014 Thomas Fogarty Santa Cruz Pinot Noir crafted off the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains, was made in part using whole cluster fermentation. That rounds the wine out, giving it more character, deeper flavors and – the best part – just a touch of spice. I find their wines interesting and distinctive, even a little on the geeky side. I’m not alone– restaurants love these guys so much and they make so little wine, you can’t even order more than five cases at a time!