2008 Arista Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.52, 220 cases, $56. Released fall 2010. Helen and Charles Bacigalupi’s first plantings in the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley date from the early 1960s. Carl Wente sold the Bacigalupi family Pinot Noir cuttings from his vineyard in the Livermore Valley. This wine contains the old Wente Selection Pinot Noir and Pommard clone from this historic vineyard. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Demure aromas of spiced Bing cherries picking up more of a savory, leafy bent over time in the glass. Discreet array of medium-weighted dark red Pinot fruit flavors with notes of herbs and mushroom. A relatively simple and youthful wine now, but with impeccably balanced tannins and acidity, should age nicely in the bottle. Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010

Winery: Arista Winery
From article: Drinking Small