2012 Longboard Mysto’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.58, 112 cases, $56. From a vineyard near Westside Road, the exact location and owners remains a secret. Mystos is also the name of a surf spot known only to the locals who surf the Sonoma Coast and the winery principals won’t tell you where that is either. Indigenous yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in French oak. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry cobbler, Asian spice, anise and vanilla lead to a delicious core of Bing cherry fruit accented with notes of strawberry, exotic spice and vanilla pastry cream. The fruit is strikingly fresh and juicy, bringing the drinker to attention, and is back by zippy acidity that is unusual for the Russian River Valley, showing up as a refreshing cut on the bright and intense cherry-themed finish. Score: 92. Reviewed May 15, 2014

Winery: Longboard Vineyards
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir