2012 Roadhouse Winery Martini Clone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.54, 250 cases, $49. Sourced from Vine Hill Road Vineyard planted to Martini clone in 1989. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated fermentations, aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 20% of which were new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light red cherry color in the glass. The nose reluctantly opens slowly over time to reveal demure aromas of ripe cherry pie glaze, rose petal and oak. The cherry fruit core seems a bit roasted and is dominated by oak-driven flavors of coffee nibs, dark chocolate, cola and spice. The fine-grain tannins offer textural interest and the finish is long and plush with black cherry goodness. Score: 89. Reviewed February 8, 2015

Winery: Roadhouse Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay