Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir

2013 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 212 cases, $31. A blend from four southern Humboldt County vineyards: Lost Coast, Espey, Elk Prarie and Phelps. Aged 1 year in a combination of mostly older Virginia and French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose has a prominent oak overlay with clove and vanilla scents dominating the black cherry fruit. Much better on the palate with a mid weight charge of cherry and raspberry fruit that fills the mouth with plenty of sweet sap. A mellow wine with plenty of Pinot charm sporting modest tannins and crisp acidity. Considerably more appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with plenty of black cherry and spice presence supported by oak. Score: 89

2013 Briceland Vineyards Phelps Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 148 cases, $35. Aged 1 year in a combination of Virginia and French oak barrels of which about 20% were new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. A cherry-fueled wine with notes of conifer and oak adding a notable contribution. Discreetly concentrated with juicy acidity and a long, cherry-fueled finish. Much better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with better integration of oak. Score: 90

2011 Clos Saron Home Vineyard Sierra Foothills Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 119 cases, $60. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is reluctant to offer its charms, showing primarily aromas of wine cave and oak. More expressive the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with blackberry and black currant fruit aromas showing up. Rich and sappy, rugged but not harsh, with mouth coating black raspberry and black cherry fruit backed by muscular tannins. The palate was also more appealing the following day. Cellar this wine for at least three years. Score: 89-90

2011 Clos Saron Home Vineyard Lower Block Sierra Foothills Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 48 cases, $65. From the coolest microclimate of the Home Vineyard. Vines planted in 1999. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The fruit never shows up on the nose, even the next day, offering only aromas of underbrush, cardamom spice and iron. More expressive on the palate with a very tasty core of blueberry and boysenberry fruits backed by proportional dry tannins and lively acidity. The finish is particularly notable for its persistence compared to the other 2012 Home Vineyard Pinot Noirs. More sweet boysenberry fruit showed up the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle. Still tight and needs a few years in the cellar. Score: 90-91

2011 Clos Saron Home Vineyard Old Block Sierra Foothills Pinot Noir

$75. From the oldest .5-acre section of the Home Vineyard. Own-rooted vines planted in 1980. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Generous aromas of black cherry, cassis and sous-bois. Very refined and balanced with mouth filling flavors of black cherry and black raspberry. Powerful, but sleek, with cleansing acidity and a very appealing, long and sweet cherry finish. Considerably more giving and interesting the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91-92

2007 Clos Saron Home Vineyard Sierra Foothills Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 82 cases. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Hi-tone aromas of blackberry, black currant, Prada leather coat and oak vanillin rise from the glass. Generously fruited with sappy flavors of black raspberry, and blackberry. Firm, but balanced tannins, and a big finish plush with fruit goodness. I really liked this wine best among the older vintages tasted together on this day. Still compelling the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Drink or hold for up to 10 years. Score: 93

2006 Clos Saron Home Vineyard Sierra Foothills Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 78 cases. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, forest floor, wet loam and a hint of smoky oak. Impressive freshness with flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and black plum. Pleasing integration of tannins and a very long and satisfying finish. Drink within the next five years. Score: 91

2005 Clos Saron Home Vineyard Sierra Foothills Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 40 cases. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose has taken on secondary characteristics of iron, ash, decayed earthy flora and iodine. The medium weighted black cherry, black raspberry, ripe strawberry black tea and oak flavors are fresh and concentrated. The wine is not tired or fading, and still bright and flavorful. Some may find the muscular tannins too daunting. Drink up or can hold another few years. This wine that will appeal to fans of aged Pinot Noir. Score: 89

2012 COBB Rice-Spivak Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., 225 cases, $70. From a 6-acre vineyard located near Sebastopol. Dijon clones and Swan selection planted in Goldridge soils. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, spice, rose petal and espresso. Silky and polished in the mouth, with an attack of fresh cherry and raspberry fruit with a hint of spice and cranberry. Impeccably balanced with a good acid backbone, soft tannins, and finishing lift. Score: 90

2012 COBB Coastlands Vineyard Old Firs Block Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 300 cases, $80. This 14-acre vineyard sits on a ridge in Occidental in the far western Sonoma Coast. A variety of selections including Martini and Wädenswil were planted in this block in 1989, some of the oldest vines on the West Sonoma Coast. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This is an extraordinary wine that is still cloaked in a significant oak overlay. Aromas of dark cherries, conifer, espresso and toast lead to a delicious cherry core of fruit that is dominated by oak. Juicy acidity adds tension, and contributes to the vibrant finish which is exceptional for its generosity and persistence. This wine needs at least a year in the cellar to better integrate the oak. Score: 92-93

2012 Lange Three Hills Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $38, screwcap. Sourced from Lange Estate, Freedom Hill and Yamhill vineyards. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of black raspberry, plum and espresso oak. Modest in weight, but packed with flavor, offering tastes of black raspberry, black cherry, and pomegranate with a touch of oak and dark chocolate. Welcoming softness in the mouth with admirable balance and good tannic bones for the long term. Score: 90

2012 Lange Estate Reserve Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $35, screwcap. Estate grown. A barrel selection. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Restrained aromas of blackberry and black raspberry. More expressive on the palate with luscious blueberry, pomegranate, plum, black raspberry and spice flavors with a compliment of oak in the background. Round and polished with a soft, smooth mouth feel and a memorable fruit-driven finish. Score: 91

2012 Lange Yamhill-Carlton Assemblage Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 200 cases, $70, screwcap. Sourced from vineyards with Willakenzie soils. · Dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Shy, but pleasant scents of ripe dark fruits. Full-bodied attack of dark berries with length and soothing flavor. The tannins are well matched and there is a good cut of underlying acidity. The finish is plush with boysenberry fruit. The nose was still shy the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle indicating this wine needs more time in bottle. Score: 91

2012 Pisoni Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2%, $75. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas leap from the glass including blackberry, cardamom spice and oak vanillin. Juicy and full-bodied, but not jammy, with a gorgeous fruit core of blackberries, boysenberries and plums framed by generous, but balanced tannins. Some earth-based goodness chimes in as well. The fruit clings to every nook and cranny and refuses to go away, displaying a sweet, tenacious finish of uncommon length. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very approachable now, but has the stuff to last 20 years. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I tasted this beauty. Score: 98

2013 Privé Vineyard le nord Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., $59. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Complex aromatic profile that reveals itself slowly in the glass including scents of Bing cherry, spice, rose petal and conifer. The core of cherry fruit is tight but promising with subtle notes of mocha, cola and oak in the background. Velvety in the mouth with a reserved finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the aromatics were much more alive with more spice, rose and cherry, but the fruit was still reluctant to show its stuff. Decant if you must drink now, but preferably wait at least a year. Score: 90-92

2013 Privé Vineyard le sud Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $69. · Moderately light cherry color in the glass. Enticing aromas of cherry, leaf, spice and balsam lead to a mid weight core of fresh and juicy cherry flavor with a whisper of oak in the background. Very elegant and more giving than the le nord, with suave tannins and a deeply aromatic, cherry-fueled finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle, the nose was more expressive. Two days later, the wine was still hitting on all cylinders. Patience will be rewarded. Score: 92-94

2013 Ransom Jigsaw Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.58, 3,136 cases, $19. Multiple clones from multiple vineyards in three AVAs. 100% de-stemmed, high percentage of whole berries sent to 1.5-ton open-top fermenters. 4-day cold soak, wild and inoculated yeast fermentation, hand punch downs two to three times a day. Aged 10 months, blended, filtered and bottled. · Moderately light red cherry color in the glass. Demure aromas of cherry, tea leaf and subtle oak. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry and raspberry with supportive oak. Juicy, with decent tension, a silky texture, and mild tannins. An easy drinking wine that lacks flash or finish, but will perform nicely at the dinner table. Score: 86

2012 Ransom Selection Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.6% alc., pH 3.32, TA 0.65, 781 cases, $29. Harvest Brix 23.2º (average). Sourced from JMD, Temperance Hill, Zielinski, and Johan vineyards. Dijon, Pommard and Wädenswil clones. 100% de-stemmed with a high percentage of whole berries sent to 1.5-ton fermenters. 6-day cold soak, wild and inoculated yeast fermentation. Aged 16 months in mixed French oak cooperage one to two-years-old. 100% free-run juice with no fining or filtration. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Scents of black cherry, forest floor, conifer and seasoned oak lead to mid weight flavors of bright cherry, raspberry and Damson plum fruits that coat the mouth and persist through a citrus and cranberry imbued finish that has some persistence. Silky smooth on the palate with the balance weighted toward vibrant acidity. Tasted twice with consistent findings. Score: 88-89

2012 Rhys Family Farm Vineyard San Mateo County Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., $59. From a 6.16- acre vineyard planted to Rhys selection, Swan, 115 and Pommard. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is quite inviting, with aromas of black cherry, exotic spices, anise and sarsaparilla. Bright, juicy and very approachable, with flavors of cherry, raspberry, cola, and oakdriven toast and spice. Very elegant and charming, with mild tannins and a silky texture. Finishes easy, but a little short. Score: 90

2012 Rhys Home Vineyard San Mateo County Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $79. From a small, 1.57- acre vineyard containing a mixed field blend of selections. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose is closed for business initially, opening more the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Darker cherry and raspberry flavors are featured. Very tasty, and soft and smooth in the mouth. Finishes with showy oak and slightly astringent tannins. Lacks some excitement now, and should be cellared for at least a year. Score: 89-90

2012 Rhys Alpine Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., $69. From an 11-acre vineyard planted to Rhys selection and heritage clones. 12-24” topsoil over soft shale at 1230’ to 1400’ elevation. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very complex nose with scents of alpine strawberry, raspberry, black cherry, conifer, sous-bois, spice and rose petal dancing in and out over time. Softly textured, harmonious and very approachable, with a tasty black cherry core framed by modest tannins and juicy acidity. Still showing a blanket of oak that will integrate over time. Finishes with impressive length and generosity. Score: 91-92

2012 Willowbrook Estate Grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $42. From a 3-acre vineyard located in the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley. A mix of Dijon and Pommard clones and Swan and Calera selections. · Light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, cranberry, sandalwood and rose petal rise from the glass. Light and elegant, with a charge of cherry fruit on the attack and finish. Silky in the mouth with a whisper of smoky oak in the background. Demure but satisfying. Score: 89

2012 Willowbrook Kaufmann Sunnyslope Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $42. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Very pleasant array of scents including Bing cherry, black raspberry coulis and conifer. Light to mid weight flavors of black cherry, plum and cassis. Soft and caressing on the palate with impressive mid palate presence and finishing length. Forward drinking with modest tannins and well integrated acidity. Still very appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92

2012 Wonderment Campbell’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

15.3% alc., pH 3.66, 232 cases, $40. Campbell’s Vineyard is a Dutton Ranch property first planted in the mid 1990s. This 14-acre vineyard lies in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley and is planted to Pommard 4 and 777 clones. This wine is 100% Pommard 4. · Moderately dark black cherry color in the glass. Initially, the aromas of Bing cherry, cola, and clove are appealing. Over time, the fruit trends to display a roasted quality. Full-bodied core of very ripe black cherry, black raspberry, cola and baking spice flavors with a hint of complimentary oak. Vigorous and deep on the palate with balanced tannins. Well-crafted in this very ripe style. Score: 89

2012 Wonderment Dr. Stan’s Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.65, 79 cases, $50. From a vineyard of less than 1 acre of 30+ year-old Pinot Noir vines planted to Dijon 115. · Moderate ruby color in the glass. Oak-kissed cherry perfume leads to a mid weight earthy wine featuring flavors of cherry, dried herbs, cola and noticeable oak overlay. Well-structured with dry tannins and enough acidity to bring the fruit to life. The wine finishes with a modicum of juicy cherry fruit. When tasted later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked wine, the oak was more integrated and the wine was noticeably more pleasing. Score: 90

2012 Beaux Frères The Beaux Frères Vineyard Ribbon Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $90. 100% estate vineyard Pommard and Wädenswil clones on their own roots. 23- acre vineyard planted with tight spacing from 1987 to 1991 (average vine age 22 years). Biodynamically farmed. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very sexy aromas of fresh cherry pie glaze, exotic spices, ripe raspberries, sous-bois and sweet oak, becoming more exuberant over time in the glass. Intense mid palate attack of ripe cherry and black raspberry fruits with a whisper of oak in the background. Elegant and harmonious with juicy acidity and a grand finish. A very young wine with excellent long term prospects. Score: 92-93

2012 Bryter Estates Tre Sette Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

15.1% alc., 110 cases, $68. “Tre Sette” means “Three Sevens” in Italian and refers to the single clone of 777 used in making this wine. Gap’s Crown Vineyard is in proximity to the Petaluma Gap. Planted in 2002 and 2005, the soils are clay loam with significant rock. 30% whole cluster fermented. Aged 14 months in 90% neutral French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately deep red cherry color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of Bing cherry, spice and sandalwood. Mid weight plus core of spiced cherry fruit with hints of anise, mocha and red berries. Plenty of sappy fruit, yet light on its feet. Flavors are not over ripe and nicely framed by complimentary oak. Finishes with a burst of cherry goodness. Score: 91

2012 Conarium Madeline’s Cuvée Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.60, 100 cases, $35. Harvest Brix 25º. A barrel selection of various vineyard origins. 25% whole cluster fermentation, crushed by foot before a 7-day cold soak. Aged sur lie for 16 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Lively aromas of black cherry, sous-bois and toasty oak. Discreetly weighted and quite flavorful, with tastes of black cherry, ollaliberry, and oak that attack with purpose, but fade a bit on the finish. The tannins are nicely balanced and the mouth feel is very silky. Score: 89

2012 Dutton Estate Karmen Isabella-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.55, 1805 cases, $40. Dutton Ranch farms over 80 unique vineyards in the cooler areas of the Russian River Valley, primarily in the Green Valley AVA. This wine resulted from a selection of 3 favorite vineyards (Thomas Road, Marty’s and Manzana) representing the Duttons’ vision of a signature Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Clones “828,” 777 and 115 planted in Goldridge soil. 100% destemmed, 5-day cold soak, three punch downs daily, aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. The final blend is a barrel selection of reserve quality. Winemaker is Terry Adams. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Bright perfume of fresh Bing cherries, raspberries and toasty oak. Upon entry, the wine fills the mouth with pure cherry pleasure and hints of cola and oak spice. A sophisticated offering that is forward and easy to like, with supple tannins, vibrancy, a silky mouth feel, and a luscious cherry-themed finish. Score: 93

2013 Ken Wright Shea Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $45. Vines planted in Willakenzie soil in 1989. · Moderately light cherry color in the glass. Perfumed with scents of cherry, raspberry, dusty earth and underbrush. Light in weight, even a bit shallow, with flavors of red cherry, cranberry and red raspberry with a hint of spice. A delicate wine with soft tannins and a short, somewhat empty finish. Could pick up intensity and interest over time but the wine was unchanged two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 87

2013 Sante Arcangeli Split Rail Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.59, 370 cases, $36. This vineyard is located at 1,700 feet elevation on a Corralitos mountaintop. Clones include Martini, Wädenswil, Mt. Eden, Swan, 32 and Pommard 4. Harvest Brix 22.5º-24.5º. 100% de-stemmed, aged sur lie with battonage for 10 months in 95% French and 5% Hungarian oak barrels of which 30% were new and 70% were used. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light cherry color in the glass. Lovely nose with alluring aromas of Bing cherry, sandalwood and spice cabinet. A delightful wine that is deep on the palate with an impressive attack of fleshy dark cherry, black raspberry and spice flavors complimented by a subtle vein of savory herbs in the background. The fine-grain, slightly weighty tannins provide good structure, and the persistent finish brings waves of vivid, flamboyant fruit. Score: 94

2012 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 100 cases, $45. Inaugural vintage from winemakers Bobby and Shannon Donnell. Sourced from one unnamed vineyard. Primarily Pommard clone with a small portion of "828" and 115 picked over the top of the bins and co-fermented. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderate dark cherry color in the glass. The nose is really inviting, bursting with aromas of ripe Bing cherries, strawberries, sarsaparilla and spice. The wine is very giving with plenty of deep cherry flavor accented with a hint of cola. Very luscious, yet nimble, with modest tannins and deft balance. Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Score: 93

2012 Soliste Barrique 9 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 23 cases, $100. Single vineyard, single clone, one barrel. From the Guidici Vineyard (the source of Soliste's Forêt bottling), this barrel stood out from the others that went into the Forêt. Hand bottled into unique Burgundy bottles, then hand waxed. · Moderately light red cherry color in the glass. Plenty to like about this wine with hi-tone aromas of cherry, spice box, sous-bois and buttery oak. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry and strawberry with elegance to spare. Seamless and demure with supple tannins and harmonious acidity. Very Chambolle-Musigny in character with a charming delicacy that seduces rather than imposes its will. This wine will be fascinating to follow over the ensuing years. Score: 93-94

2013 Sonoma-Loeb Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.59, $39. Winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus uses Pinot Noir clones 667, 777 and 115 to produce this wine. Harvest Brix 25.6º-26.8º. Wild yeast and proprietary Burgundian strains were used in the fermentation. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The elevating aromas of spiced black raspberry and black cherry are very inviting. A bold expression of Pinot Noir with luscious flavors of black raspberry, black cherry, spice, mocha and coffee-scented oak. Very satisfying with a notably intense finish and admirable balance. Score: 91

2013 Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Lot #23 Carneros Pinot Noir

14% alc., $13. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of black cherry, strawberry glaze and toasty oak. Light to mid weight flavors of juicy cherry with a hint of anise and cola. A bit shallow on the attack but finishes with a burst of cherry flavor backed by slightly astringent tannins. This wine delivers what you would expect for Pinot Noir at this price point. Score: 86

2013 Turtle Vines Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alcohol, pH 3.79, TA 0.58, 30 cases, $34. 80% Pommard, 20% 667. Harvest Brix 24º. 5-day cold soak, 100% destemmed, not crushed. 5% whole cluster fermentation. Aged in Flextanks with 20% French oak. · Moderate light cherry color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, spice, and Herbs de Provence. Light in weight, but flavorful, with a good mid palate attack of cherry and raspberry fruits complimented by a hint of oak. Light on its feet and easy to cozy up to, with a refreshing cut of acidity on the finish. Score: 88-89

2012 Twomey Cellars Monument Tree Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 142 cases, $68. The first single vineyard wine from this estate vineyard. For years, this vineyard has been the backbone for the Anderson Valley bottling. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of strawberry, cherry, spice box and smoky oak become more effusive over time. Juicy flavors of black cherry and ripe strawberry with a hint of spice are easy to like. Appealing finesse and harmony, with fine tannins, refreshing acidity and a bright finish. Score: 91