2012 Ram’s Gate Ulises Valdez Diablo Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.48, 344 cases, $70. Vineyard planted in 2006 on steep slopes. Soils are gravelly, rocky clay over sandy loam. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Awesome aromas of Bing cherry pie glaze, blueberrypomegranate, and rose petal. The aromas carry remarkable intensity over an extended time in the glass. The dark cherry, boysenberry and pomegranate fruit is on the ripe side but is stunning in intensity of flavor, and augmented by a touch of cardamom spice and toast in the background. The oak is much more complimentary in this wine. The sappy core is clothed in a soft, seductive cloak of tannins. This wine still had plenty of swagger the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed October 20, 2014

Winery: Ram's Gate Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Russian River Valley Pinot Noir