The Ocio 2002 was one of the first non-Burgundian Pinots that I enjoyed. I tried it when it was just as youthful as this 2009 is today, very early in my personal wine journey. If I understood the blurbs correctly, the winemaking hasn't changed during this period: hand picked from cool climates mostly in Casablanca and a small, organic amount from Leyda, nothing said about yeasts, 100% new French oak.
14,5% abv; 45€. Very, very primary. Lots of oak, but also some genuine Pinosity peeking through. Crisp despite its size, savoury despite all the sweet fruit. The oak isn't annoying on the palate. The alcohol stays very well hidden. I think for those who appreciate a bigger, style of Pinot, this could be a great wine.
Now with more experience, I am not at all as enthusiastic as I was with the 2002, but I can still say that this is, apart from a few Oregonians, the best new world Pinot I have had. I just wish that they would lessen the oak: though the oak here doesn't obfuscate all the Pinosity, it seems to be such a pretty and attractive and sexy Pinosity that I would like to experience it more directly.
