2011 Waxwing Spring Hill Ranch & Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.1% alc., 97 cases, $33. Released early 2013. 15% whole cluster. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels. From a very cool site in the Petaluma Gap. Pommard, 115, Swan and Calera clones. · Light reddish color in the glass. Restrained aromas of spiced cherry, smoky oak and rose petals. Lean flavors of red cranberries and cherries with a grip of green tea, leaf and tar. Light on its feet with nervy acidity, leaving a little deep cherry flavor behind on the finish. The fruit in this wine appears to have struggled to get ripe, and although the winemaker did admirably with the hand he was dealt, this is an austere wine. Decent. Reviewed February 27, 2013

Winery: Waxwing Wine Cellars
From article: More Sips of California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay