2015 Longboard Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.61, 714 cases, $39. Clones 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. 3-day cold soak, open-top fermentation, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, cassis, vanilla and root beer lead off. Rather lush and intensely fruity, featuring flavors of very ripe dark raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry complimented with oak-driven notes of vanilla and nuts. Energetic, but supportive tannins, with a consuming, fruit-driven finish. Quite a contrast from the 2014 vintage of this wine that has considerably more ripeness, sap and grip and less Russian River Valley in character. Score: 88. Reviewed March 6, 2017

Winery: Longboard Vineyards
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Wines