The Mount Eden Vineyards 2022 Estate Pinot Noir from Santa Cruz Mountains received 93/100 points. Mount Eden's Pinot Noir, like their Chardonnay, comes from vines planted with Burgundian cuttings from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. The estate's elevation and limestone soils produce Pinot Noir of exceptional elegance and complexity. The wine typically shows aromas of red cherry, raspberry, forest floor, and subtle spice notes. The palate is silky yet structured, with bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. Mount Eden's Pinot Noirs are among California's most Burgundian in style, emphasizing finesse over power. The wines have remarkable aging potential, often developing additional complexity over 10-15 years. The 2022 vintage in Santa Cruz Mountains produced wines with excellent concentration balanced by the region's signature acidity. Critics consistently praise Mount Eden for producing wines that are distinctly Californian yet show the restraint and elegance associated with the world's greatest Pinot Noirs. This wine represents a benchmark for cool-climate California Pinot Noir.