2014 En Garde Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3%, 123 cases, $70. Favorite barrels. Clones “828,” 115, Martini, Pommard and 23. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is richly fruited with spiced black cherry and sumptuous oak. Tenacious flavors of black cherry and blackberry in a juicy, mid weight style with firm tannins for the long haul. The toasty oak is a bit too extroverted now but should integrate further over time. This wine is like an awkward teenager that will need a few years to mature and may be more deserving of a higher score at that time. The winemaker had a vision for this wine as it is composed of favorite barrels in cellar. Score: 92. Reviewed September 24, 2017

Winery: En Garde Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay