2012 Gary Farrell Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.72, 340 cases, $60. Released May 2014. 100% destemmed, fermented in small open tanks after a 5 day cold soak. 10 days of extended maceration after fermentation. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Racked once off the primary lees just before bottling. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Spirited and slightly exotic nose with aromas of fresh cherry, raspberry, dark red rose petal, clove cookies and a hint of sweet oak. An interesting and unique wine with delicious flavors of black raspberry, black cherry and black currant fruits embellished with toasty oak. Beautifully crafted with balanced tannins and a bright cut of acidity with a four-star, sweet black cherry finish. The flavors tiptoe to the edge of ripeness. Score: 92. Reviewed May 15, 2014

Winery: Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir