2010 Darms Lane Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 250 cases, $39. Darms Lane Vineyard is located in the southwestern bench lands of the Napa Valley. The 14-acre vineyard was established 26 years ago as a Chardonnay estate, and the name changed from Crichton Estate Vineyard to Darms Lane Vineayrd and replanted in 2002 and 2003 to warm weather varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is family owned and located in the Oak Knoll District of the Napa Valley. This is the inaugural release of a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir sourced from the Dutton Ranch Barron Vineyard in Green Valley De-stemmed fruit, lees stirring during the first 3 months of barrel aging. Total elevage 10 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Winemaker is Brian Mox. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of Bing cherries, oak and mocha java. Oak-kissed, full-on flavors of dark cherries, black plums, dark chocolate and cola. Soft and seamless on the palate. Less oak evident the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Give this wine more time in the bottle so it achieves better oak integration. For now, it is Good. Reviewed June 24, 2012

Winery: Darms Lane
From article: Along the Pinot Trail in California: Part 2 - North Coast & Other