2006 Small Vines Wines Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 375 cases, $42. From three high-density planted vineyards (2722-3630 vines per acre, 2-3 lbs per vine). The Sloan Family manages several vineyards in Sonoma County as well as producing their own wine under the Small Vines label. Their motto is, “The smaller the vine, the better the wine.” Clones are Swan, 113, 114, 115, 667, 777, and 459. 7 day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, aged 15 months in 50% new French oak. This is their second vintage. · Alluring black cherry fragrance with subtle oak and a touch of good Pinot funk. Nicely composed and lighter-weighted flavors of cherries and cranberries with a hint of smoke. A touch of heat peaks out on the nose and finish. Not a penetrating wine, but one that offers admirable elegance and pinotosity. Reviewed November 2, 2008

Winery: Small Vines Wines
From article: Fog Makes Pinot in the Russian River Valley