2008 Ken Brown Cargassachi Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.61, 137 cases, $50. From the 16-acre Cargassachi Vineyard planted in 1998 to clone 115. The vineyard is at the extreme west end of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, making it one of the coolest vineyards in California. The Botella Series soils have a high calcareous content, allowing excellent drainage while limited yields. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 10 months in 43% new French oak barrels. · Deep, dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Packed with richly flavored dark Pinot fruits complimented by oak-contributed mocha notes, robed in supple tannins. Seductively smooth and velvety on the palate. The nose is still primal and the wine will become more nuanced with more age. This Pinot had several consumer fans at WOPN. Very good. Reviewed March 12, 2011

Winery: Ken Brown Wines
From article: Blast from 2011 World of Pinot Noir