2012 Dragonette Cellars Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 875 cases, $44. A blend of several vineyards including John Sebastiano (60%), Fiddlestix, La Encantada, Zotovich, Radian, and Bent Rock. Clones 113, 114, 115, 667, “828,” 777 and Pommard 4. 92% de-stemmed, 4 to 7-day cold soak, native and commercial yeasts. Aged 15 months on lees in 18% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. High-spirited aromas of blackberry, cassis, toasty oak and a hint of spice. Mid to full-bodied, oak-kissed array of dark fruits with integrated tannins and some finishing intensity. Showy and satisfying, and a solid everyday wine, albeit a bit too much oak sheen for me. Score: 89. Reviewed July 19, 2014

Winery: Dragonette Cellars
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers