2005 Jayson Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 3,330 cases, $65. The grapes were crushed whole berry and de-stemmed. A cold soak was followed by fermentation with native yeast, gentle pressing, 9 months of barrel aging in 67% new French oak, and bottled unfiltered. The Jayson Pinot Noir is considered a “declassification” of the Pahlmeyer Pinot Noir, but the quality of the lots that remain after assembling the final blend of the Pahlmeyer Pinot Noir is still stellar. · The sexy nose of dark cherries, blackberries, mushrooms and earth stands out. The flavors mimic the aromas with an added spice and woodsy influence in the background. After four hours, a little spice comes forth in the nose and a hint of root beer enlivens the flavors. Everything is nicely balanced with the tannins well-concealed and the alcohol well-integrated. No question this is a broad-shouldered middleweight Pinot Noir with a rich core of fruit, but it dances softly on the palate. Reviewed July 9, 2007

Winery: Jayson
From article: Pahlmeyer Pinot Noir