2013 Three Sticks Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.70, 177 cases, $60. 14 to 20-day fermentation after a 1-day cold soak. Aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A savory nose offers scents of blackberry on the vine, plum, and dried herbs. Complex and layered, with mid weight flavors of a bowl of crushed cherries, as well as black raspberries and Damsel plums. Welcome harmony with just the right touch of oak, and an amazingly long finish that lasts over a minute. The voluptuous fruit is vibrant, not jammy, and really clings to the finish. Score: 93. Reviewed July 12, 2015

Winery: Three Sticks Wines
From article: Many Very Good to Extraordinary California Pinot Noirs Tasted Recently