2013 Littorai B.A. Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 186 cases, $80. The vineyard is located southwest of the town of Occidental, overlooking Bodega at an elevation of 900 feet. Goldridge over sandstone soils. Littorai has a long term lease on this site so that it is farmed as if it was an estate vineyard. Farmed for over a decade using biodynamic methods. Yields 1.99 tons per acre. Vines planted in 1991 and 1994. Clones are Swan, Pommard, 114, 777, Calera and a proprietary clone. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. This has been my favorite Littorai bottling since I first discovered it 15 years ago. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Alluring, even intoxicating aromas of fresh cherry, raspberry, blackberry, sous-bois and spice. Gracious and sexy, with finesse rather than swagger, offering a mid weight core of nicely ripened black cherry and black raspberry fruits framed by a hint of tannic sinew, integrated juicy acidity and a deft touch of oak. A note of exotic spice sneaks in at the finish. A very seductive wine. Turn down the lights when you pull the cork on this beauty. Score: 94. Reviewed March 12, 2016

Winery: Littorai
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