2013 Bravium Signal Ridge Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.77, 336 cases, $49. Released April 16, 2015. From a vineyard at 2,642 feet elevation that is extremely exposed to maritime influence. It is planted to a variety of Dijon and heritage clones in sandstone, clay and gravelly loam soils. Yield 1.6 tons per acre. 30% whole cluster, native fermentation in one-ton fermenters. Aged 10 months in Francois Frères 4-year air-dried barrels, 33% new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate dark reddish purple color in the glass. The fresh aromas of black cherry and spice are framed by scents of espresso and tobacco. Soft in the mouth with middleweight, oak-kissed black cherry, boysenberry and pomegranate fruits that fill the mouth and really grab on to the expansive finish. The fruit load is tempered by plenty of lively, citrus-driven acidity. The fruit is this wine is very special, but there is too much oak at play. Check back in a year or two. Score: 89-90. Reviewed June 14, 2015

Winery: Bravium
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir