2011 Gros Ventre First Born Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 155 cases, $58. A noticeable leap up in quality among the wines of this vintage. This is the winery’s flagship cuvée which is a barrel selection of the best lots of the vintage. This wine is dominated by fruit from a vineyard perched at 1,000 feet above sea level along the true Sonoma Coast in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Magnetic aromas of dark red fruits, spice and seasoned oak. Discreetly concentrated black cherry, plum, cola, dried herbs and toasty oak flavors wrapped in ripe, svelte tannins. Impressive balance with noteworthy finishing length and intensity. Still young, but sends a message. Score: 92. Reviewed December 18, 2013

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