2011 Patz & Hall Hyde Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 650 cases, $65. Patz & Hall have worked with the fruit from this iconic vineyard since 1996. Several sections of the vineyard are planted exclusively for Patz & Hall including older plantings of the Hyde-Calera selection. Yields of only 1.5 tons per acre. Wild and cultured yeast fermentation aged in 65% new Burgundian French oak barrels. Bottled without fining or filtration. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Reluctant aromas of black cherry, dark berry, loam and bramble. Very smooth and velvety on the palate with moderately rich flavors of dark berries and plum, finishing with a touch of green herbs. The texture is very appealing but the flavors are not in a generous mode at this time. More refined than the Sonoma Coast bottling but more closed now. Revisit in 2 to 3 years. Score: 89. Reviewed December 18, 2013

Winery: Patz & Hall
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir