2012 Pennywise California Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.60, RS 4.0 g/L, 17,000 cases, $10. Produced by The Other Guys based in Napa. Pinot Noir is sourced from a couple of blocks on the eastern edge of the Bay Area: Livermore and Clarksburg. 78% Pinot Noir, 11% Grenache, 6% Barbera, 3% Petite Sirah and 2% Merlot. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The blackberry, black currant and black raspberry fruit shows promise in this wine but is overshadowed by the oakdriven imprint of smoke, tobacco and vanilla. The soft, refined mouthfeel is the best feature of this wine. The added red varieties bring a touch of peppery spice flavor. Tasted twice. Score: 85. Reviewed July 19, 2014

Winery: The Other Guys
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers