2012 Ernest Vineyards The Wrangler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 184 cases, $48. Released spring 2014. Grand Vent and Dutton-Freestone vineyards. Pommard, 113 and 667 clones. Aged in 37% new French oak. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose offers an appealing combination of black cherry, black raspberry, spice and oak scents. Relatively full-bodied, featuring a core of dark red cherry and berry fruit with a bit of tarry oak in the background. Softly textured with balanced tannins, and some intensity on the finish which sports a good cut of refreshing acidity. Not as precocious as The Engineer, and will benefit from cellaring. Score: 91. Reviewed July 19, 2014

Winery: Ernest Vineyards
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers