2011 Castello di Amorosa Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.57, 1,319 cases, $36. Aged 10 months in Burgundian oak barrels. Winemakers are Brooks Painter and Peter Velleno. Only sold at the winery or by mail order. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Opens slowly in the glass and needs swirling to shed a bit of reduction and oak. In time, welcoming aromas of black cherries and boysenberries emerge. Very rewarding on the palate with an array of dark berry and stone fruit flavors balanced with ripe, dry tannins and a shadow of oak. Drinks easy and smooth, finishing with hi-tone fruit-filled goodness. Showing a little more oak at this stage than I like, but this was less evident the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle so further aging is advised. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013

Winery: Castello di Amorosa
From article: Sips of California Pinot Noir