2012 Gary Farrell Hallberg Vineyard Dijon Clones Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.70, 484 cases, $60. Released May 2014. Partially de-stemmed (a small percentage of whole cluster was used), 5 to 7 day cold soak, 10 to 15 day extended maceration after fermentation. Aged 9 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Racked off the primary lees once just before bottling. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of very ripe dark berries, red and black licorice and spice. Mid weight flavors of very ripe blueberries and raspberries, with a hint of anise-laced oak. Juicy and bright with modest tannins and a soprano finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the fruit approached over ripeness in flavor. Score: 89. Reviewed May 15, 2014

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