2008 Wild Horse Cheval Sauvage Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.572, $60. A finest barrel selection. Small lot, whole berry fermentation in open-top fermentation bins with manual daily punch downs. Only the finest barrels are selected for this bottling. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with vivid aromas of black cherries, spice and Italian herbs picking up intensity over time in the glass. The medium weighted flavors of dark stone fruits and berries combined with savory herbs and the slightest oak are framed by svelte, satiny tannins and good acidity to produce a wine of considerable charm. I particularly enjoy this wine for its savory bent, elegance, balance, and unmistakable sense of Santa Maria Valley terroir. Definitely worth seeking out. Reviewed November 29, 2011

Winery: Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards
From article: 2009 California Praiseworthy Pinots