2009 Pfendler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 400 cases, $45. This wine incorporates fruit from each one of Kimberly Pfendler’s four vineyards located in the Petaluma Gap (Penngrove, Pullis, Helgren, and Pfendler). Clones are Swan, Calera, Pommard and Dijon 828.Crafted by noted winemaker Greg Bjornstad. 100% de-stemmed, 7-day whole berry cold soak, 8 months sur lees aging and 11 months total aging in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of darker fruits with hints of pepper and oak vanillin. Moderately rich and intense blackberry, cassis and sweet black plum flavors persisting through the lengthy, fruit-driven finish. A bit clunky and out of sorts now, needing another 6 to 12 months in bottle to fully come together. Good (+). Reviewed November 2, 2011

Winery: Pfendler Vineyards
From article: Along the Pinot Trail in California