Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir

2013 Alma Fria Plural Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., 340 cases, $40. Native yeast fermentation, aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 10% new. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass Whole cluster character dominates the aromatics which offer scents of bark, spice and red rose petal. Less whole cluster driven on the palate, featuring mid weight flavors of well-spiced cherry and boysenberry with a slight stem note in the background. Good roundness, smoothly textured and admirable harmony with gripping acidity a dominant feature. Score: 88

2013 Alma Fria Holtermann Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 138 cases, $58. Vineyard planted in 2002 in Annapolis at 700 to 800 feet elevation. 10% whole cluster. Native yeast fermentation, aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is generous upon opening, offering hi-tone aromas of cherry, rose petal and exotic spices. Acidity drives the light to mid weight core of spiced cherry, cranberry and purple berry fruits that are framed by caressing tannins. The finish is fueled with a charge of fruit, leaving a citrus note in its wake. Still solid the next net day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90

2013 Alma Fria Doña Margarita Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 143 cases, $58. Vineyard planted in 2002 in Freestone at 500 to 625 feet elevation. 10% whole cluster. Native yeast fermentation, aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose is alive with aromas of black cherry, rose petal and woodshed. Imposing flavors of dark cherry, purple grape and berry, and vivid spice grab on to the palate and finish with an intense flourish. Fine-grain tannins add an appealing touch to the texture. A classy wine. Score: 92

2012 COBB Coastlands Vineyard 1906 Block Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 200 cases, $80. Sourced from the 14-acre Coastlands Vineyard located near Occidental. This bottling includes a variety of Pinot Noir selections planted on the steepest hillside of the vineyard in 1998 including Pommard and Mt. Eden. “1906” was carved into an old oak tree by the original sheep rancher who worked the land after the great San Francisco earthquake. Aged 30 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose offers scents of sweet smoke, char and pine with very demure cherry aroma. Mid weight oakkissed and spiced black cherry, blueberry and pomegranate fruits framed by silky tannins and bright acidity. The noticeably intense herb and cherry driven finish lasts and lasts. When re-tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine still had a significant oak overlay. Score: 88

2013 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 450 cases, $70. From a 6-acre vineyard near Sebastopol. Dijon clones and Swan selection planted in Goldridge sandy loam. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. A classy, feminine wine offering aromas of red cherry pie glaze, rose petal, spice and a woodsy compliment. Silky and delicate on the palate, with flavors of red cherry, strawberry, cranberry and piquant spice notes typical of this vineyard. Very elegant, with suave tannins, a deft touch of oak, tart acidity, and a lovely finish filled with cherry, spice and sandalwood goodness. Score: 92

2013 Dutton Goldfield Azaya Ranch Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.58, 279 cases, $58. This vineyard was planted by Mark Pasternak for the McEvoy family in Hicks Valley. There are 5 clones on this 18-acre ranch including 667, “828,” 115, 777 and 2A (only the first three listed are in this wine). 100% de-stemmed, 7-day cold soak, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is reluctant, but does offer pleasing aromas of black raspberry, blackberry and pine with coaxing. Open and forward on entry, with a mid weight charge of purple and black berry, and purple grape flavors, touched with a hint of spice. Modest tannins make for a smooth mouthfeel, and the finish offers impressive length and power. Score: 91

2013 Dutton Goldfield Devil’s Gulch Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.58, 347 cases, $68. This pioneering planting in Marin County is owned and farmed by Mark Pasternak who is dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices. Dijon clones. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with scents of black raspberry, sous-bois, spice, vanilla and cigar box. This one will put a smile on your face, with a delectable core of fresh dark berry and plum flavors accented nicely with a bit of oak seasoning. Harmonious, soft tannins and a velvety texture complete the picture. Tempting to finish the bottle. Score: 92

2013 Dutton Goldfield Dutton Ranch Emerald Ridge Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.59, 682 cases, $62. This vineyard was planted by Steve Dutton to several Pinot Noir clones. Pommard, 2A, “828,” and 667 were chose for this bottling. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, clones fermented separately, aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose wants for fruit, offering instead scents of dusty rose and nutty oak. More expressive on the palate, with a generous attack of black cherry and dark berry fruits. Suave and balanced, with modest tannins and a fruit-driven finish that elevates the experience and offers welcome length. Score: 90

2013 Dutton Goldfield Fox Den Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.58, 576 cases, $58. This 8-acre vineyard just above the town of Occidental is planted in Goldridge sandy loam soil to Dijon clones 667, 777 and 115. This wine has equal lots of clone 667 and 777. 100% destemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of berries, musk and earthy flora find traction over time in the glass. Mid weight flavors of woodsy raspberry and cherry are framed by silky tannins. The finish is a bit abbreviated. I wish the wine had slightly less oak overlay. Score: 89

2013 Dutton Goldfield Dutton Ranch Freestone Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.57, 478 cases, $72. This vineyard is located in the extreme southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley appellation on the coastal side of the Petaluma gap and was planted in 1996 (115, 2A and 114) and 1997 (667). 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is exhilarating, with generous aromas of black raspberry, black cherry and baking spices which elevate over time in the glass. The sappy black raspberry and blackberry fruits have a majestic presence on the palate with the luscious flavors expanding in the mouth and persisting through a lengthy finish. The silky texture contributes to the seductive vibe. Score: 92

2013 Dutton Goldfield Angel Camp Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.58, 459 cases, $58. Sourced from a 11.5-acre vineyard west of Philo. Clones are Pommard, “828,” and 667. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, co-fermentation of clones, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose and palate are dark fruited with complimentary notes of oak-driven spice and sandalwood. More Pinot perfume needed. The tannins are well-matched, there is a good acid backbone, and the wine picks up some interest over time in the glass. Still it remains a very good but not special wine. Score: 89

2013 Dutton Goldfield McDougall Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.54, 415 cases, $58. This 9-acre vineyard was planted in 1998 to Dijon clones of Pinot Noir. 100% de-stemmed, 7-day cold soak, aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromatic goodness builds over time in the glass, offering scents of raspberry, bourbon, iron and vanilla. Lighter in weight, with a silky, elegant presence on the palate, picking up more pretentious flavor and verve over time. Enjoyable, but doesn’t have the fruit sap that some may prefer. Score: 89

2013 Ken Brown Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.59, 787 cases, $35. A blend of grapes from multiple vineyards in Santa Barbara County with nearly half from Rio Vista Vineyard. 100% de-stemmed, pre-fermentation cold soak, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Promiscuous aromas of dark, earthy cherry, red licorice, spice and a hint of smoke are the best feature of this wine. A light to mid weight offering that has enough earthy cherry flavor to satisfy, although the mid palate wants for more intensity. Forward drinking, with modest tannins, a compliment of oak, and a cherry-fueled finish that is not particularly long, but flavorful. Score: 89

2013 Ken Brown Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.61, 416 cases, $45. 36% Radian Vineyard, 32% Rio Vista Vineyard, 21% Buona Terra Vineyard, and 11% Rita’s Crown Vineyard. 100% destemmed, pre-fermentation cold soak, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 32% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose reminds of walking in a recently cultivated field with aromas of earth and mushroom, and a bit of dark cherry and black raspberry. A step up in fruit intensity from the Santa Barbara County bottling, featuring flavors of purple and black fruits and a hint of iron. There is deft oak treatment, the tannins and acidity are well proportioned, and the juicy finish really satisfies. A well composed appellation wine. Score: 90

2013 Ken Brown Rita’s Crown Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.56, 323 cases, $60. This is one of the highest elevation vineyards in the region at 600 to 950 feet. The soils are shallow and the vines are exposed to coastal fog and ocean winds. Planted in 2007, it has quickly become one of the most highly regarded vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Clones 667, 777 and “828.” · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Soaring perfume with an array of dark fruits including black cherry and black raspberry, with a hint of spice and rose petal. Flat-out delicious mid weight plus core of black raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors matched to balanced tannins and juicy acidity. The mid palate attack is eye opening, the seductive mouthfeel is velvety, and the richly endowed finish leaves an impression. A very classy offering from one of Central California’s winemaking icons, and one of the best Pinots I have had from this region in 2015. Score: 94

2012 Kesner Vadim’s Watch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $65. Fruit sourced from Terra De Promissio Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas come together beautifully over time in the glass, featuring purple and black berries, underbrush and toast. Both fruity and savory, with mid weight plus flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, mushroom and earth. Excellent acid backbone with admirable polish. Much better over time in the glass. A tad more body and length than the 2013 bottling of this wine. Score: 92

2013 Kesner Vadim’s Watch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $65. Whole berry, native yeast fermentation. Only free-run juice. Aged 16 months sur lie in 25% newer French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose leads off with aromas of cherry, baking spices and complimentary oak. A lovely wine with great purity of fruit and refinement, offering plenty of black cherry and plum flavor touched by toasty oak. Very charming and silky on the palate with juicy acidity that lifts the fruit. The aromas and flavors changed considerably over time. More delicate than the 2012 version of this wine, but equally inviting. Score: 92

2012 Kesner King’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $60. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers a pleasant marriage of black raspberry and black cherry fruit and sweet oak aromas. Impressive attack of blueberry, black raspberry and black cherry fruit flavors underlain with a compliment of integrated oak and spice. Well-composed with balanced tannins and admirable acid integration creating a seamless drinking experience. Curiously, when re-tasted the following day and two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine had taken on a herbaceous tone. Score: 89

2013 Kesner King’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $60. Whole berry, native yeast fermentation. Only free-run juice. Aged 16 months sur lie in 20% newer French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A charming wine with aromas and flavors of dark red cherries, cranberry, spice and toasty oak. Discreetly concentrated, with modest tannins and good acid verve. Unchanged the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90

2014 Kesner Halfmile Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $60. Release spring 2016. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Complex aromatic profile, featuring scents of black cherry, blackberry, black currant, purple grape, spice cake and earthy flora. Heavily endowed with oak flavor at present, becoming less evident over time in the glass. The mid weight core of darker stone and berry fruits pick up weight and presence over time. Modest tannins, lively acidity and a welcome finish. This wine is not yet ready for prime time, explaining the future release. Score: 88-90

2013 LUMOS Five Blocks Wren & Temperance Hill Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 290 cases, $25. Release January 1, 2016. Certified organic vineyards. Vegan-friendly. Sourced from the 15-acre Wren Vineyard planted to Pommard clone Pinot Noir, located on grower and winemaker Dai Crisp’s 100-acre family farm, and the 100-acre Temperance Hill Vineyard. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very inviting aromas of cherry, forest floor and a hint of tobacco-laden oak. Vivid and crisp, with black cherry, black raspberry and spice really popping on the palate. Amazing grip and persistence on an incredibly long finish. Beautifully crafted, with integrated tannins and deft oak seasoning. An incredible wine at this price. Score: 92

2013 LUMOS Temperance Hill Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 143 cases, $45. Release January 1, 2016. Vineyard is USDA certified organic. Vegan-friendly. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting perfume of dark berries and pie cherries with an earthy underpinning. Heavenly flavors of marionberry, plum, pomegranate and spice that fills the mouth with layers of goodness. This wine comes at you from all angles and refuses to leave on the fruit-laden finish. A Pinot Noir that is both husky and masculine, yet refined and sophisticated. The serious fruit intensity is deftly balanced by a tannic backbone that insures age ability. I can’t say enough good things about this special wine. Score: 94

2013 MacPhail Tolouse Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.78, TA 0.58, 503 cases, $49. Harvest Brix 23.6º to 25.5º. Clones 2A, Pommard, 115, 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, native and proprietary yeast primary fermentation, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, batonage weekly for 3 months, aged 11 months sur lie in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and lightly filtered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of black cherry, plum and rose petals. Bright acidity drives the palate that is replete with flavors of dark red cherry and berries and a deft note of oak. Supple tannins make for easy drinking, and the finish is particularly pleasing with a burst of Bing cherry and a tight grip. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90

2013 MacPhail Wightman House Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.79, TA 0.55, 95 cases, $55. Harvest Brix 23.5º. Martini clone. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, proprietary yeast primary fermentation, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, aged 11 months sur lie in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with elevating aromas of cherry, raspberry and sous-bois. Very silky on the palate, with plenty of personality, featuring mid weight flavors of black cherry, blackberry, anise and black tea. Impressive fruit presence in a beautifully balanced wine that aims to please. Score: 91

2013 MacPhail Lakeview Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.58, 192 cases, $49. Inaugural release from this 8.6-acre vineyard planted in Goldridge sand loam soil. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Clones 114 and 115. 84% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, native and proprietary yeast fermentation, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, batonage weekly for 3 months, aged 16 months sur lie in 100% French oak barrels, 37% new. Unfined and lightly filtered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose reminds one of the holidays, with aromas of cherries, berries and Christmas spice. Delicious Bing cherry fruit floods the mouth with a bit of purple berry and spice chiming in. The tannins are soft and balanced, the mouthfeel is all velvet, and the extraordinarily intense finish made me sit up in my chair. Still prodigious the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, with all components working in perfect harmony. Score: 94

2014 Ponzi Vineyards Tavola Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $25, screwcap. Sourced from multiple sustainably-grown vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley. Extended cold soak, native yeast fermentation, aged in French oak barrels, 20% new, for 11 months. Unfined and unfiltered. Aged 7 months in bottle before release. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Highly fragrant with aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, cola and toasty oak leaping from the glass. Noticeably fresh and energetic, with a juicy core of cherry fruit augmented with a light touch of oak. Beautifully integrated acidity drives the palate in the forward-drinking, food-friendly and enjoyable wine. Score: 89

2013 Ponzi Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., pH 3.68, $40. Released September 2015. A blend from Ponzi’s Aurora and Avellana vineyards as well as nine other vineyards. 5-day cold soak, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 35% new, and aged 5 months in bottle. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very little black cherry fruit on the nose with a strong cigar box scent. Mid weight core of black cherry fruit with complimentary oak and spice accents, backed by svelte tannins. Easy to drink, with a modest finish. Score: 87

2013 Ponzi Vineyards Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.55, 1,250 cases, $60. A blend of LIVE Certified Sustainable fruit from Ponzi’s Aurora, Abetina and Madrona vineyards, as well as fruit from Linda Vista, Kason, Zenith and Walnut Ridge vineyards. Primarily grapes grown in Laurelwood soils in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, 7-day post-fermentation maceration, and aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered and aged an additional 5 months before release. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of cherry, raspberry, herbs, nuts and nori. The array of darker red cherry and berry fruit really sparkles on the palate which offers added accents of black tea, savory dried herbs and toasty oak. Silky tannins add a seductive mouthfeel. This is a giving wine upon opening, but becomes noticeably better over time in the glass. Decant or hold in your cellar for full enjoyment. Score: 91

2014 Privé Vineyard le nord Estate Grown Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $50. 100% old vine Pommard. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of dark cherry, cola and complimentary oak. An appealing marriage of dark red cherry and berry fruits, oak vanillin and acid along with a firm, balanced tannic backbone. The finish offers lip-smacking acidity and a bit of alcoholic warmth. The fruit is not as expressive as it will be and the oak is more expressive than it will be. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was a little more showy. Score: 90-91

2014 Privé Vineyard le sud Estate Grown Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $60. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry and sandalwood lead to a charge of dark red fruits that offer a luscious expression of dark cherry fruit. More assertive than le nord, with a finish that really grabs your attention. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the aromas of dark cherry and spice were intoxicating and the elegantly delivered cherry and spice flavors were more inviting. Score: 90-91

2013 Red Car Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.3% alc.,TA 0.57, $45. Sourced from several vineyards: Red Car Estate (21%), Platt (19%), Bohemian Station (18%), Falstaff (12%), Riddle Ranch (12%), Hagan (11%) and Clary Ranch (7%). Average harvest Brix 22.5º. Calera, “828,” 777, 115, Pommard and Schoolhouse clones. Aged in 10% new and 90% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Dark red berries and cherries are featured in this mid weight wine that is smooth on the palate, nicely balanced, and offers a lip-smacking cut of acidity on the finish. An admirable reflection of the Sonoma Coast in this vintage. Score: 90

2013 Red Car Platt Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 495 cases, $68. This vineyard overlooks the town of Bodega, 5 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Average harvest Brix 21.9º. Calera and “828” clones planted in Goldridge sandy loam. 10% whole cluster. Aged 12 months in 20% new and 80% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Enthralling nose that really drew me into the glass with aromas of red berries, brier, rose petal and spice. Lighter weighted, but generously endowed with vivid strawberry, raspberry, red cherry and spice flavors backed by juicy acidity and backseat tannins. Impeccable balance in this deftly composed and classy wine. Score: 93

2013 Red Car Zephyr Farms Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., TA 0.51, 388 cases, $68. Vineyard is located 6.7 miles from the Pacific Ocean in the hills above Freestone. Average harvest Brix 23º. Clones 777, 667 and 115 planted in Goldridge sandy loam. 10% whole cluster. Aged 12 months in 13% new and 87% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of purple berries, purple grapes and damp earth bring persistence on the nose. Silky and long on the palate, with flavors of black cherry, ollaliberry and spice. Nicely ripened fruit with phenolic majesty and welcome brightness. Modest tannins make for easy drinking now, and the juicy cut leads to a mouthwatering finish. Score: 93

2013 Red Car Hagan Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., TA 0.51, 380 cases, $68. Vineyard is located 4.6 miles from the Pacific Ocean on a windswept ridge at 850 feet. Average harvest Brix 22º. Calera, 777 and 115 clones planted in Goldridge sandy loam. 11% whole cluster. Aged 12 months in 27% new and 73% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Reserved nose offering demure aromas of black cherry, briar and rose petal. Delicious core of vivid black cherry and black raspberry fruits that saturate the palate and persist through a remarkably intense finish that really grabs hold. Seductively silky with fine-grain tannins and a savory riff of spice. Score: 92

2013 Red Car Doc’s Ranch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., TA 0.51, 75 cases, $68. This vineyard is located at 900 feet elevation, 4.7 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Swan clone planted in Yorkville loam soil. Average Harvest Brix 21.8º. 10% whole cluster. Aged 12 months in 100% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of red fruits, wilted rose and spice lead to a lightly weighted palate of cranberry, strawberry and raspberry fruits. Very delicate, with good cut on the very modest finish. A very pretty wine that is well-crafted, but doesn’t have enough to hold my full attention. Apparently this was all the vineyard could give in this vintage. Score: 89

2012 small + tall “Joyful” Clos Pepe Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $60. Clone 115. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, aged 16 months in French oak barrels on the lees. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Aromas of cherry, strawberry and doughy oak are prominent initially, with the fruit becoming less expressive over time in the glass. Enviable entry and attack of strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruits accented with herbs and oak. The tannins are supported without being intrusive, and the dry finish continues the red berry and cherry theme. Satisfactory, even very good, but not special. Score: 89

2012 small + tall “Little Joy” Garey Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $48. Clone 777. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, aged 16 months in French oak barrels (0% new). · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Embracing aromas of cherries and berries with a compliment of oak. Relatively light in weight but quite flavorful, featuring red fruits brought to life with juicy acidity. Quite expressive, particularly on the lengthy finish. Plenty of Pinot singing in this wine. Score: 91

2013 Stolo Family Vineyards Estate Creekside Vineyard San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 375 cases, $32. Vineyard planted in 2008 in Cambria less than 3 miles from the Pacific Ocean. 100% sustainably farmed by hand. Pommard clone. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Aged 10 months in 25% new French and Hungarian oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. This is an oak-infused wine featuring a middleweight core of black cherry and pomegranate fruits, well-proportioned tannins, and some intensity on the lively finish. Score: 87

2013 Stolo Family Vineyards Estate Hillside Reserve San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 164 cases, $42. Vines planted in 1998 less than 3 miles from the Pacific Ocean. 100% sustainably farmed by hand. Clone 115. Harvest Brix 26.1º. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry, anise and forest floor. Plush, generous and silky on the palate, with considerable tobacco-tinged oak infusing the dark fruited core of fruit. The wine is forward drinking with modest tannins and some finishing length. Score: 88

2013 BARRA of Mendocino Estate Grown Mendocino Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.64, 876 cases, $20. Harvest Brix 23.3º. Certified organic grapes. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Inviting aromas of cherry, baking spice and underbrush. Light to mid weight essence of fresh red cherry and cranberry fruits backed by ruddy tannins. A thread of herbal oak runs through the background. Bright and food friendly with some finishing length. Score: 88

NV Chateau La Paws California Pinot Noir

13% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.53, $12.99. Produced by Rosenblum Cellars. Profits proudly support No Kill Shelters. Aged in French and American oak barrels. Contains a small amount of Syrah (13%). · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is devoid of fruit, offering only briar and oak char aromas. Somewhat more inviting on the palate, with mid weight plus flavors of black cherry and strawberry that have a porto character and are framed by an unpleasant burnt caramel flavor. Score: 85

2013 Girasole Vineyards Mendocino Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.62, 6,000 cases, $15. Harvest Brix 24.7º. Estate grown, certified organic grapes, vegan. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry combined with oak-driven notes of ash and vanilla. Delicately fruited, featuring a black cherry core with smoky oak in the background. Modest mid palate attack with a cherry-driven finish dominated by charred oak. Score: 85

2013 Hagafen Cellars Coombsville Napa Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.58, 900 cases, $32. Harvest Brix 23.1º. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers demure red fruits and dominating oak-driven vanilla and spice. The cranberry, strawberry and Damsel plum fruits are well supported by matched tannins, the mouthfeel is plush, and there is a reasonably long finish that features vanilla-scented oak. This wine will appeal most to those who welcome lavishly oaked Pinot. Score: 86

2014 Kingston Family Vineyards “CJ’s” Barrel Casablanca Valley Chile Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 75 cases, $38. One of only a handful of Chilean vineyards leveraging artisan winemaking and sustainable viticultural techniques to uncover the potential of cool climate Pinot Noir. This bottling is named after CJ Kingston, a family patriarch and pioneer who came to Casablanca in the early 1900s looking for gold. This is an extremely limited special bottling, allocated to Old Corral club members and available only direct from the winery. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with bright aromas of fresh dark cherries, sous-bois and mocha. Very soft in the mouth and quite charming, with a succulent core of dark cherry, fig and nutty oak flavors dressed in suave tannins. Light on its feet and a pleasure to drink. Score: 90

2014 Roessler Wine Cellars Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.55,2,400 cases, $26. Release January 1, 2016. From R2 Wine Company in Sonoma founded by Richard and Roger Roessler. “Black Pine” is literally the English translation of the words Pinot Noir. Aged 10 months in 20% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A beautifully structured and harmonious wine with aromas of black cherry, rose petal and earthy flora, and mid weight juicy flavors of black cherry, cola, spice and mocha. Expansive on the palate with impressive finishing power. A terrific value @ www.r2winecompany.com. Score: 90

2014 Trader Joe’s Lot #57 Estate Grand Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $14.99. Cellared and bottled by DNA Vineyards, Ukiah, CA. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of Bing cherry, spice and toasty oak. Quintessential Russian River Valley in character, with mid weight flavors of black cherry, cola and spice. This wine has noticeable power and intensity on the palate and finish with a compliment of oak in the background. An easy drinking wine with substance that won’t disappoint at this price point. Score: 88

2014 Upper Eden Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., $12.99. A Trader Joe’s exclusive from Upper Eden Wines in Soledad. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose did not appeal, with aromas of dried cherry, pitch and underbrush. Better on the palate, with middleweight flavor of black cherry, RC Cola and an accent of toasty oak. Structured, with good integration of the alcohol, and a modest finish. Score: 86