2010 Patz & Hall Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 400 cases, $85. Released March 2013. A vineyard-designate for Patz & Hall since 1997. Sourced from the vineyard’s Hermanos Block and famed Old Field. This wine sees more oak than other Patz & Hall Pinot Noirs and receives more bottle aging before release. Wild and cultured fermentations. 15% whole clusters. Aged in 80% new Burgundian French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very ripe fruit aromas including blackberry jam on toast, plum reduction sauce and prune. Luscious on the palate with mid weight sappy flavors of blackberries, raspberries, raisins and spice. The oak is beautifully integrated. Modest tannins make for easy approachability in this vintage. Wears its alcohol well. Long, long finish. On the ripe side, but the fruit is captivating, and you have to love it. Very good. Reviewed May 5, 2013

Winery: Patz & Hall
From article: Sips of Pinot: Wines Tasted Recently