2013 Portalupi Russell Family Vineyard Paso Robles Pinot Noir

15.5% alc., 240 cases, $60. Vineyard is located on the western side of Highway 101 and is planted in shallow, rocky calcareous soil. The site experiences large temperature variations from highs of 90 degrees to lows of 40 degrees. Harvest Brix 27º. Pommard and Dijon clones. Aged 12 months in Francois Frère French oak barrels, 25% new, 75% 1-year-old medium plus toast. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of nutty oak and earthy flora obscure any fruit on the nose. Lush, plush and fruit-driven, this is an opulent wine featuring black raspberry and blackberry flavors veering to raisin. This wine is reflective of this warm site and I have always found wines from this vineyard to be very tannic like this wine is and more like Zinfandel in character. That said, this wine does honestly reflect the terroir, and seems to stay relatively balanced. Score: 89. Reviewed December 1, 2016

Winery: Portalupi
From article: Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir