2011 Joseph Jewell Floodgate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.54% alc., pH 4.56, TA 0.61, 195 cases, $42. Clones 777 and 667. 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy fruit aromas with plenty of toasty oak to the front. Discreetly concentrated flavors of black cherry, blackberry and cola with noticeable freshness and intensity. The fruit core is mildly weighed down by oak, although the oak sheen tends to subside over time in the glass. I would give this wine another year in bottle for the oak to integrate. Score: 90. Reviewed May 15, 2014

Winery: Joseph Jewell Wines
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir