The 2021 Pinot Noir West Block comes from the oldest Pinot Noir vines at Bethel Heights, planted in 1977. "We tore out 30% of those vines last week," winemaker Ben Casteel says. "A third of it was hanging on a trellis and we were never going to make transcendent wines from it." The remaining vines from 1977 are the healthiest on the property. "So, we kept the Wadenswil block and will install vertical shoot positioning and tighter trellises. We will replant with Pommard and a mix of other clones this spring." He also notes that varying vine ages results in slightly different ripening times. "I think there's a real benefit to some vines being ahead, some right on time and some behind." Medium ruby-purple, the 2021 Pinot Noir West Block takes some coaxing to reveal scents of cranberry, rhubarb and pomegranate with nuances of tobacco, dried earth, bitter orange and Angostura bitters. The medium-bodied palate is silky and energetic, with an intriguing touch of bitterness reminiscent of amaro carrying the long, layered finish. This has notable detail but will require more time in bottle to unwind.