2006 Gloria Ferrer José S. Ferrer Selection Carneros Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.54, 1,000 cases, $35. A selection of the most exceptional blocks from the estate vineyard. Meticulous cluster and shoot thinning are employed. The winemaker chose the 43 best barrels among these special lots to compose the blend. Clones include 115, Comar 538, 2A and Martini. All lots were de-stemmed and cold soaked for 3 days before fermentation. Only free-run juice was used to create the final blend. The wine was aged for 9 months in 36% new French oak barrels and bottled unfined. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Aromas of dark berry reduction sauce, underbrush, forest floor and oak. Soft and seductive on the palate with earthbound flavors of black raspberries and black cherries with a hint of anise and spice. Very polished with gossamer tannins and a smooth, velvety finish of some length. This wine has benefited from the extra time in bottle and is drinking beautifully now. Very good. Reviewed January 11, 2012

Winery: Gloria Ferrer Winery
From article: Embarrassment of Riches: California