2008 Harrington Brousseau Vineyard Chalone Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.54, 125 cases, $40. This vineyard is located within a mile of the Pinnacles National Monument and is known for the limestone strata in the soils. Clone 538. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately dark ruby color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry jam, bay leaf, cut flowers and green garden. Rugged core of blackberry and black plum fruit with underpinnings of earth, cola and seasoned oak. The unbridled tannins are typical of this vineyard as is the unshaven character. The wine shed its whiskers and drank much better with softening of tannins and emergence of more charm two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating this wine should be decanted if opened now. Very Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010

Winery: Harrington Wine
From article: Drinking Small