2007 D’Alphonso-Curran Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., $55 (sold out at the winery, available discounted at retail). The partners have nearly 50 years of combined winemaking experience who prefer to age their wines before release. This is their current offering! 100% destemmed, 4-day cold soak before inoculation, macerated 23 days, aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 56 months before bottling. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose shows an aged bouquet with notes of cherry pit, root beer, cherrywood, old closet and leather. Ripe mid weight cherry and red berry flavors with hints of baking spice, tea, and dried herbs. Easy drinking with soft, yet firm tannins and a dry, drawn-out finish. An extended barrel aged wine that will appeal to fans of aged Pinot Noir. Score: 91. Reviewed December 18, 2013

Winery: D'Alfonso-Curran Wines
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir