2011 Kosta Browne Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.63, 422 cases, $78. From a 50-acre vineyard planted by Gary Franscioni and named for his wife near Garys’ Vineyard. Clones are Pisoni (50%), Pommard 4 (25%) and “828” (25%). Yields 2.1-5.4 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 16 months in 45% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The most feminine wine in the lineup, this beauty is silky soft like fine lingerie, offering the sweet Pinot perfume of dark red cherries, berries and baking spice. Modest in weight, but flavorful, with a core of perfectly ripened dark red cherries backed by a whisper of oak spice and toast. A Halle Berry of a wine. Very good (+). Reviewed June 23, 2013

Winery: Kosta Browne Winery
From article: Kosta Browne Proud of New Digs