2009 Poe “Nevermore” Corda Vineyards Marin County Pinot Noir

14.1% alc, 150 cases, $38. Winemaker Jonathan Keys worked in the cellar at Sine Qua Non and is now working with Thomas Rivers Brown at Outpost. This is his inaugural release. Back label says, “Ravens that dwell in Marin County inspired him to use the name after the poet who wrote, “The Raven,” in 1845. Very cool label. · This wine is definitely in the Sine Qua Non mode. Deeply colored in the glass. Hi-tone and intensely fruity nose displaying aromas of plum reduction sauce, black raspberries and vanilla wafer. Dense and concentrated flavors of fresh plums and black currants with a subtle note of oak vanillin. The silky smooth texture and fruitiness have seductive charm. The finish is clean and long but leaves a hint of heat in its wake. Syrah in drag. Not my favored style of Pinot Noir, but the saucy fruit will definitely have fans. Good. Reviewed April 11, 2011

Winery: Corda Vineyards
From article: More Sips of Pinot Noir