2012 La Crema Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.51, 2,745 cases, $40. 667, Calera, Swan, 2A, Pommard and 777. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, 70% whole berries in tank. Gentle punch downs several times each day. Aged 9 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas draw you into the glass with vivacious notes of blackberry jam, black raspberry coulis and sexy spice. Rich, plush and broad in the mouth, with an array of luscious dark stone and berry fruits, complimentary oak barrel presence, and nicely integrated tannins. This wine is a big boy with a smile that will find widespread appeal. La Crema continues to offer consistently superb Pinot Noirs from multiple California appellations. Drawing upon a vast vineyard portfolio, there are few other labels that can match La Crema for unfailing excellence year after year. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014

Winery: La Crema Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers