2011 Patz & Hall Burnside Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 220 cases, $70. From a vineyard planted to clone 115 in Goldridge soil by the Martinelli family on a site that was a former hillside apple orchard. Burnside was picked at the last minute before the rains, and at 13.6%, is one of the lowest alcohol Pinot Noirs Patz & Hall has ever produced. Wild and cultured yeast fermentations, 15% whole clusters, aged in 50% new French oak barrels. Bottled without fining or filtration. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is entirely oak-driven initially with no fruit evident. Full-bodied flavors of oak-kissed black cherry and blackberry, with a hint of licorice-laced cola. Somewhat of a brut of a wine that currently lacks personality. The fruit that does peek out seems quite pretty and there is some finishing persistence. Tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the delicate fruit was still overwhelmed by oak. Time will tell. Score: 88. Reviewed February 4, 2014

Winery: Patz & Hall
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Wines