2009 Russian Hill Estate Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.61, 1,262 cases, $40. The winemaker’s favorite lots from the estate. A majority of the fruit for this wine is from Sunny View Vineyard, located to the southeast of the winery in the Santa Rosa Plain. Planted in 1999 to clones 667, 777 and Pommard with one additional acre later budded over to 828. A small portion is sourced from Tara Vineyard, clone 115. Aged 16 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry pie glaze, very ripe black raspberries, spice and oak. Supple and plush on the palate, with flavors of black cherries, cola and subtle herbal oak. The fruit flavors veer to the ripe side. Very Russian River Valley in character with good intensity, mild fine-grain tannins, and a satisfying cut of acidity on the finish. Tasted the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine retained its appealing softness, its most appealing feature, but there is a bit too much oak at play. Good. Reviewed June 4, 2013

Winery: Russian Hill Estate
From article: California Pinot Noir Doctors