2015 Spell Alder Springs Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.59, 102 cases, $50. Grapes sourced from the 3Tiers Block located at an elevation of 1,700 feet on a southeastern facing slope. Dijon clone 459 and DRC and Calera selections. Low-vigor, sandstone-based soils. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Wellappointed aromas of dark red berries and underbrush lead off. The fruit is vivid and juicy in the mouth, displaying a full-bodied load of fresh, wellripened black cherry and blackberry fruits. Although quite sappy, the firm tannic backbone keeps the fruit in line. There is an appealing Old World rusticity to this wine. The prominent fruit tannins combined with balanced acidity predict age ability. Score: 92. Reviewed June 25, 2017

Winery: Spell Estate
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines