2012 Balverne Estate Grown Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 240 cases, $40. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of Bing cherries and baking spice arrive over time in the glass. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry, raspberry, spice and cola, finishing with graceful length. Very polished, elegant and refined with modest tannins. Quite accessible for a reserve wine. Definitely deserving of the designation “reserve,” although it is not a big, oaky version of the regular Russian River Valley bottling which is so often the case with reserve wines. Score: 91. Reviewed March 29, 2014

Winery: Balverne
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines