2011 El Molino Rutherford Napa Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 625 cases, $65. Released April 1, 2014. Very light yields in this vintage. harvest Brix 21.8º-25.7º. Clones 777, 115, 113, DRC, Bouzeron, Pommard 5, Calera, Chalone and Swan. 75% whole cluster. Native yeast fermentation, basket pressed, and aged in 70% new Francois Frères oak. Aged 11 months sur lie before being racked and blended, then aged another 6 months in oak. Bottle aged for 12 months before release. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. This is a cherry-driven wine of much charm and gracious appeal. There are accents of strawberry, balsam, spice, and sassafras with a subtle oak undertone. The tannins are modest and refined, the mouth feel is smooth and polished, and the finish has respectable length. A very elegant offering in this cool vintage. Score: 92. Reviewed May 15, 2014

Winery: El Molino Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir