2012 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 218 cases, $52. Released October 1, 2015. Vineyard is located high above Bennett Valley on the northwestern side of Sonoma Mountain. Clones 115, 777 and Pommard 5 were planted in 2000 in loamy clay soil. Aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 46% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A stunning wine from the get go, offering soaring aromas of dark berries, earthy flora, spice and rose petal. My notes say, “WOW,” about the entry and follow through, featuring juicy dark red and purple berries, spice, slight floral input, and engaging oak presence. Impeccably balanced. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was still great indicating a long life ahead. Score: 94. Reviewed November 5, 2015

Winery: Talisman
From article: Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir: The Bar Keeps Moving Higher