We had the good fortune to review a selection of offerings from Flat Top Hills around this time last year. And we continue that good fortune into 2022 with the opportunity to review winemaker Randy Herron’s 2021 Pinot Noir. We’re a bit delayed due to an unfortunate bout of Covid that robbed me of the ability to even smell the most pungent of peated Islay malts, but better late than never. Let’s give it a whirl.

Bright cherry notes lead the way on the initial presentation, with strawberry jam and a faint touch of mint on the nose developing with some time in the glass. There’s an appearance of plum and light minerality on the mildly acidic palate, but things pretty much stay directly in the center of the red fruit found on the nose. The finish is long and lingering, with tobacco leaf and cedar rippling around one another. It’s delightful and delightfully affordable, and the kind of bottle designed for conversations over evening campfires.

B+ / $16 / flattopwines.com

2021 Flat Top Hills Pinot Noir

$16

8.5

Rating

8.5/10