2012 Gary Farrell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.71, 1,198 cases, $55. Small percentage of whole cluster to add tannins, spice and complexity. 5 to 7-day cold soak, inoculated fermentation, 10 to 15-day post fermentation maceration. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak on primary lees. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose picks up interest over time in the glass, revealing aromas of blackberry, plum reduction sauce and allspice. Has shoulders but is still refined, offering mid weight flavors of blackberry, plum and vanillin oak. Crisp and bright, with penetrating energy and a noticeably persistent finish. More integrated and complete the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014

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