2011 Trombetta Family Wines Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 530 cases, $58. Clones are Swan, 777 and “828” planted between 2002 and 2005. Yield 2.3 tons per acre. Harvest Brix 25º. Fermented with native yeast, extended cold soak and maceration, native MLF in barrel, aged 9 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry and toasty oak are slow to arrive on the nose, but when they do, the experience draws you into the glass. Mid to full-bodied essence of dark Bing cherries with cola and oak in the background and a touch of citrus on the finish. A cohesive wine with plenty of sappy fruit balanced by integrated tannins. I liked the wine more as it unfolded in the glass over time. Very similar in character to a moderately bold Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Runner up at recent Pigs and Pinot Sommelier Smackdown in Healdsburg. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2014

Winery: Trombetta Family Wines
From article: Recent Sips of Pinot Noir