The Three Furies “Constant Vengeance” 2017 starts with earth-driven aromas of crimini mushroom, oiled leather and rare beefsteak. A few minutes in the glass opens the door for wild red cherries, raspberries and mandarin orange to join the party. The same fruits (along with some red plums), soil and spices team up on the currently wound up, structured palate. Impressive how it quickly evolves in the glass with the different flavors marrying up. Firm, youthful tannins that, while natural to the Santa Rita Hills vineyard from which it comes, can be attributed to the low yields of 2017. I expect this wine to show more fruit and partially dissolved tannins in 2021 or ’22.
Three Furies is a new(er) winery co-owned and made by Martin Mackenzie of Napa. Martin’s resume includes winemaker at New Zealand’s Stonyridge and Petroni Vineyards in Sonoma Valley. His Three Furies Pinots are brimming with personality and layers of flavor. While they don’t get high marks on my value scale, they do bring ample value to the discriminating California Pinot Noir collector.
