2012 Manzoni Home Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 797 cases, $35. Three generations of the family have farmed what is now the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Winemaker David Coventry. Dijon clones 115 and 777. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is nicely fruited with black cherry, black raspberry and blueberry and well-oaked. There is plenty of black cherry fruit presence in the mouth accented with spice and oak-driven notes of anise and mocha. The palate-staining finish is flush with cherry, cola and sassafras. There is a lot to like in this wine but there is too much oak at play and a bit of alcoholic heat shows up on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed July 19, 2014

Winery: Manzoni Estate Vineyard
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers