2007 Carmel Road Arroyo Seco Clark Ranch Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.54, 626 cases, $35. Clones 2A, 115, 667 and 777. The Clark Ranch lies in the shadow of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Most of this 1,100-acre vineyard is planted to Chardonnay with 34 acres dedicated to Pinot Noir. This limited bottling comes from a special, 4-acre block at the heart of the ranch that consistently yields a deep and compelling Pinot Noir. Cold pre-soak, native yeast fermentation, hand punch downs, and no fining or filtration. Aged 10 months in 39% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of dark raspberries and blackberries, black cherries, kirsch, brioche and oak. Discreetly concentrated flavors of chocolate-covered, perfectly ripe cherries, and fresh blackberry jam. The vivid fruit is nicely caressed by fine-grain tannins, the oak is beautifully integrated, and there is impressive aromatic persistence on the fruit-filled finish. Very good. Reviewed May 15, 2011

Winery: Carmel Road Winery
From article: California Pinot With Plenty of Noir