2011 dept. C Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.60, $30. From the Paraiso Estate, clones 115 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, inoculated with RC 212 and Assmanhausen yeasts. Aged 11 months in 15% new French oak barrels before a single racking before bottling. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. First bottle showed aromas of fermented fruit and overripe melon (acetaldehyde). Decent core of dark red and black fruits, slightly sweet and candied in character, backed by caramelized oak, mild tannins and citrusy acidity. A flawed wine. Second bottle showed aromas of blackberries, plum and apple core (a hint of acetaldehyde). The dark fruit core was rich and very soft in the mouth and more appealing. Easy to drink with supple tannins and complimentary oak in the background. Very slight fault, but decent. Reviewed April 13, 2013

Winery: Dept C Wines
From article: Sips of California Pinot Noir: Recently Sampled Wines