2009 MacPhail Vagon Rouge Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.57, 117 cases, $59. 5 hand-selected barrels. Sourced from Toulouse, Wightman House, Frattey Shams, Raye’s Hill and Ferrington vineyards. Aged 11 months in 100% new Tonnellerie Ermitage Medium Toast French oak barrels. · Moderately intense color in the glass. Shy nose offering aromas of cherry crisp, spice, briar and subtle oak. Soft and smooth on the palate with satisfying flavors of red cherries, cardamon spice, and sandalwood enrobed in firm fine-grain tannins. Nicely composed with oak playing a complimentary supporting role. Picks up interest over time in the glass and is even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Keep this one under wraps for a couple of years and then plan a special dinner around it. Very Good (+). Reviewed September 2, 2011

Winery: MacPhail Wines
From article: MacPhail: Get On the Wagon