2017 Albatross Ridge First Flight Carmel Valley Monterey Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.52, 100 cases, $115. Clones “828,” and Pommard harvested at 1.25 tons per acre. Harvest Brix 22.0º-23.5º. 30% whole cluster. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry, underbrush, vanilla and campfire embers. A sappy wine with waves of black cherry and blackberry fruit with a whack of smoky, herbal oak in the background. The wine does have a congenial mouthfeel and some length on the finish, but I wish for more Pinot than oak perfume. Score: 88. Reviewed June 14, 2020

Winery: Albatross Ridge
From article: Albatross Ridge