2010 McNeil & Sons Redding Ranch Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir

13.28% alc., 100 cases, $60. Clones 667, 777 and Pommard. Yield .75 tons per acre. Named after the “McNeil & Sons” turn-of-the-century butcher shop that still stands on the Nicasio town square in Marin County. The vineyard is situated at 1,200 feet elevation near the windswept crest of Mount Shroyer, a very cool, coastal site. Chalone Wine Group planted this 20-acres of high-density Pommard and Dijon clones in the spring of 2000. Well-drained, rocky soils. 33% whole cluster, native yeast fermentations, aged in 25% new, 50% once-used and 25% neutral French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. Winemaker is Jon Grant (Couloir). · Moderately light reddishpurple color in the glass. The nose unfolds slowly in the glass, reaching an interesting array of scents including cherries, spice and bramble. Medium weighted and elegant, with layers of flavor including dark red cherry mash, blueberries, tea, stem and Asian 5-spice. Exotic and distinctive, with well-mannered tannins and admirable length. A very interesting wine that veers from the usual California paradigm. Very good. Source: www.mcneilwines.com and The Butcher Shop, Nicasio, California. Reviewed February 22, 2012

Winery: McNeil & Sons
From article: Sips of California Pinot Noir