2012 Dutton-Goldfield Devil’s Gulch Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.61, 431 cases, $68. A steep, terraced vineyard farmed by owner Mark Pasternak. Record crop, yields 1.5 tons per acre. Very tiny berries.100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak. Aged 17 months in 45% new French oak barrels. · Dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Lovely aromas of fresh Bing cherry and black raspberry with a dusting of cocoa and vanilla powder. My notes say, “WOW!” upon entry, with a deep, vibrant, well-spiced plum and black raspberry core that makes you sit up in your chair. The supportive tannins are very fine-grained, and their is enough oak undertow to add interest. The wine is impeccably balanced with a remarkably long finish that seems to last over a minute. Score: 93. Reviewed November 19, 2014

Winery: Dutton-Goldfield
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir