2009 Drew Valenti Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.61, 72 cases, $40. Released February 2011. Clone 667. 30% whole cluster. Aged 11 months in 25% new French oak and 75% seasoned French oak. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very slow to open on the nose with aromas of cherries, spice, forest floor and oak. Moderately dense, luscious flavors of savory dark plums, black raspberries and black grapes with a long and intensely fruit-filled finish. A slight vegetal note is evident either from slightly under ripe fruit or whole cluster. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012

Winery: Drew Family Cellars
From article: Mendocino Ridge: California’s Best Kept Secret Source of Spectacular Wines