2006 Phillips Hill Estates Toulouse Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 150 cases, $40. Hill calls this vineyard a “nursery for angels.” Clones 115, 667 and 2A. Aged 11 months in 35% new French oak. · The nose offers sexy cherry and cranberry scents with a whiff of alcohol peaking out. Richly layered core of black cherries, blackberries and cola that carry through to a finish that lasts an eternity. Soft and smooth in texture, but with finishing tannins that need to be shed. A bit backward now, but will reward another year in the bottle. Excellent. Reviewed June 9, 2008

Winery: Phillips Hill Estates
From article: Wineries in Anderson Valley and Mendocino Ridge*