2019 Testrossa Niclaire California Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.36, TA .67, 619 cases, $100. Released May 2021. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 62% new. This wine is named after Testarossa founders Rob and Diana’s children Nick and Claire. The beautiful appointed bottle represents the finest barrels in the cellar. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of dusty rose, Bing cherry, black raspberry coulis, vanilla and toasty oak. Long on the palate and finish, offering middleweight flavors of blueberry and blackberry. Very polished with modest tannins and a compliment of oak. This wine taps into all the pleasure centers now but is still somewhat gruff and closed. Better when sampled the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle showing more sweet Pinot fruit and an explosive, very long finish. This wine reminded me of the 2019 Rosemary’s Vineyard bottling. Score: 94. Reviewed June 13, 2021

Winery: Testarossa Vineyards
From article: Winemaker Bill Brosseau Works Magic at Testarossa Winery