2009 La Follette Dunah Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.72, 207 cases, $49.99. This vineyard is located at the southwestern outpost of the Russian River Valley appellation. The 10- acre vineyard was established in 1998 in Goldridge soil. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard. 100% de-stemmed. · Very darkly colored in the glass. Fruity nose offering appealing scents of black cherries and blackberry jam with a hint of wood spice and smoke. Densely fruited on the palate with a mix of dark red berries accented by oak-driven flavors of tar and tobacco. Soft in the mouth with well-managed firm tannins and tangy acidity on the finish. More sinewy Sonoma Coast than Russian River Valley in character. Needs time to integrate the oak, but will always be an oaky wine as evidenced by the prominent oak features one day after opening. Decent. Reviewed January 11, 2012

Winery: La Follette Wines
From article: Embarrassment of Riches: California