2005 Row Eleven Wine Co Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

15.3% alc., 800 cases, $36. Founded by Richard de los Reyes (“Ricardo D” to his colleagues) several years ago, the name comes from searching for the best rows from the best blocks from the best vineyards. Row Eleven is a unique Multi-Alternating Proprietor or MAP that utilizes several winery facilities, each specializing in a particular variety, in contrast to having one central facility to process grapes. The finest vineyards are then linked to these specialized wineries. Reyes crushes only the best rows, uses whole berries and ferments 10° cooler than most other winemakers. His style is fruit-forward. The grapes for this wine are from the Bien Nacido Vineyard, Dijon clones 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. · Darker fruits, particularly black cherries run through this wine from start to finish. The demurely presented fruit has plenty of finesse and the alcohol, which is nicely integrated, creates a sweet note and a velvety texture. Reviewed December 16, 2007

Winery: Row Eleven Wine Co.
From article: Pinot Noir Shootout Prelims