2009 Longoria Fe Ciega Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.60, 605 cases, $48. 100% de-stemmed and crushed into small open top fermenters. 3-day cold soak, inoculated, average fermentation lasted 12 days. Aged 15 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose features deep purple fruits with noticeable oak. Rugged and masculine in nature with a full offering of earthy black plum, black currant and blackberry fruit encased in flamboyant tannins and accented by plenty of oak. Much better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing softer tannins and more vivacious fruit, but still significantly oaked. There is plenty of upside in this wine that needs cellaring for at least a few years to integrate the oak and tannins. Decant if you must open now. This wine has such a distinctive character each vintage that I am sure I could pick it out blind from a lineup. It definitely reflects its terroir. Very good. Source: www.longoriawine.com. Reviewed February 22, 2012

Winery: Longoria
From article: Sips of California Pinot Noir