2013 Patz & Hall Hyde Vineyard Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 1,079 cases, $70. Released October 2015. Sourced from a block that contains new and older plantings of the Hyde-Calera selection, and includes grapes from the “old field.” Wild and cultured yeast fermentations, 15% whole cluster, 100% malolactic fermentation in barrel, aged in 60% new French oak barrels, bottled without fining or filtration. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Purple and black fruits are featured in this wine which combines savory notes of mushroom and soy sauce with the mid weight fruit flavors. The mouthfeel is silky and the character is refined, although there is a noticeable tug of oak. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, with wine’s seamless and smooth texture was striking, and the oak overlay reduced. This wine will benefit from further cellaring. Score: 91. Reviewed January 17, 2016

Winery: Patz & Hall
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir