2011 Gros Ventre Baranoff Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 97 cases, $48. This vineyard is farmed by Paul Sloan of Small Vines. A 3-acre parcel located in the Laguna de Santa Rosa in Sebastopol, the vineyard is planted to high-density 4’ x 4’ spacing of 7 clones. This wine is a blend of the 7 clones (Calera, Swan, 113, 115, 459, 667, 777). Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherry liquor, cassis and bramble. Densely concentrated flavors of black cherries, black raspberries and cola with a bit of smoky oak showing up in the background and on the finish. Rather linear and bland now, the wine fails to reveal anything distinctive about its vineyard origins, but clearly shows its Russian River Valley origins. Revisit in 6 to 12 months. Score: 88. Reviewed December 18, 2013

Winery: Gros Ventre Cellars
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir