2015 Clos du Val Gran Val Vineyard Estate Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.55, 800 cases, $60. Sourced from the winery’s Gran Val Vineyard in Carneros that the winery has farmed since 1973. The vineyard adjoins Brown Ranch and Hyde Vineyard and features 41 acres and 10 clones of Pinot Noir with vine age between 12 to 18 years. This wine is from a prized block planted to Dijon 667 and Pommard. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 58% new. Bottled unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Very complex nose offering an array of aromas that dance in and out including blackberry, black grape, oak spice, mushroom and maple. The attack of blue and purple berry fruits is rich yet noticeably vibrant. The succulent fruit core is accented with notes of black tea and vanilla along with the typical Carneros earthiness, bay leaf and mushroom tone. The tannins are nicely proportioned, there is adroit oak management, and the wine finishes in pleasant fashion. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2017

Winery: Clos Du Val Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir