2015 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.68, 175 cases, $36. A blend of grapes from Kendric, Grossi Ranch and Chilean Valley vineyards. All three vineyards are on the Marin side of the Petaluma Gap, although Grossi is just outside the southern border of the new AVA. Cold wind and fog lead to thick-skinned grapes resulting in more structure and color in the wines. Cold nights and warm days provide good acidity. A cold snap on Easter weekend caused frost damage throughout North Coast wine country and decreased yields markedly. 10% whole cluster, open-top fermentation, 3-day cold soak, native yeast, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 27% new, 27% once-filled and 46% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, floral bouquet and feminine scent. Mid weight flavors of purple and blackberries smoothly integrated with gentle tannins. Deft oak input, with bright acidity and an uplifting finish. More sappy and heady when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed January 6, 2018

Winery: Brooks Note
From article: A Bounty of Ravishing California Pinot Noir Greets the New Year