2015 Kutch Falstaff Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.3% alc., 250 cases, $62. Vineyard is located at the extreme western edge of the AVA, 8.4 miles from the Pacific Ocean on the second inland ridge. The vineyard, planted in 2001, is the coldest site Kutch works with. Clones “828,” 777 and 115. Soil is marine quartz sandstone and Goldridge. Berries are often the size of peas and yields are often below 1 ton per acre. 3-day lag time, fruit crushed and punched down by foot, 100% whole cluster, native yeast primary fermentation and native malolactic fermentation, aged for 17 months on the lees in 100% neutral French oak without racking. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is quite alluring, with fruit (black cherry, ollaliberry, exotic spice, floral and savory (wet mulch, underbrush) aromas. A generous charge of black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors flood the mouth with pleasure framed by supportive tannins. The most sappy wine in the 2015 lineup, although the natural acidity offsets and offers vibrancy and even a bit of tartness on the finish. The wine enters better than it finishes, but when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the finish was more lingering and further time in the bottle should righten this shortcoming. Score: 92. Reviewed March 29, 2017

Winery: Kutch Wines
From article: 2015 Kutch Pinot Noir