2005 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 115 cases, $50. Severe spring coastal weather conditions reduced the fruit yields to 80% of average. A field blend of many clones. The vineyard is located on a ridge top near Cazadero above the fog belt overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Average yields are only one and a half tons per acre. She (Denise) said, “Dark in color, dense and concentrated, packing a lot of wallop.” · I say, dark ruby in color. Effusive aromatics of dark cherry, black raspberry, smoke, oak spice and toast. Dark stone fruit profile featuring prominent plum flavors with a little sweetness or syrup inflection to the fruit. Full-bodied, sinewy and earthy with soft tannins. Not as showy now as when released. Next day the fruit attack had softened. Wait a little longer on this one. Reviewed February 18, 2008

Winery: WesMar Winery
From article: WesMar: Palate-Pleasing Pinot