2019 Cattleya Belly of the Whale Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 250 cases, $75. Part of the Collection series. 50/50 clones 777 and 667 at Sun Chase Vineyard , perched at an elevation of 2,300 feet above the cool maritime fog layer and overlooking western Sonoma County. Slow, methodical hand-sorting, 100% de-stemmed, native fermentation in opentop stainless steel tanks, hand punch-downs twice daily. Aged 10 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Bottled without fining or filtration. · Whoa, Nelly! Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Lovely and engaging aromas of black cherry, rose petal, spice, pipe smoke and tilled earth. Mid-weight plus in style with a luscious core of black cherry fruit embellished with clove and cardamom spices. Gentle power, with terrific flow and balance with an extremely long finish. Delightful in every way. Still terrific when tasted the following two days from a previously opened bottle. Score: 96. Reviewed March 21, 2021

Winery: Cattleya Wines
From article: Cattleya: A Woman’s Touch