2015 Kutch McDougall Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.78% alc., 350 cases, $59. This vineyard is a mere 3.5 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean at 935 feet elevation. Farming is directed by Ulises Valdez. Planted in 1998 to clone 114 in Graywacke and sandstone soil. 3-day lag time, fruit crushed and punched down by foot, 100% whole cluster, native yeast primary fermentation and native malolactic fermentation in barrel, aged on the lees for 17 months without racking in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of cherry, rose petal and spice are echoed in the teasing flavors that bring an uncommon goodness to play. The wine delivers a special experience from the attack, through the circus of fruit on the mid palate, and on the enduring finish that exceeds all the other wines in the 2015 lineup in length. There is a tug of tannin on the finish but this will ameliorate with more time in the bottle. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the aromas of cherry, spice, rose petal and burnt tobacco were seductive and the infusion of whole cluster character into the fruit profile was orgasmic. Score: 96. Reviewed March 29, 2017

Winery: Kutch Wines
From article: 2015 Kutch Pinot Noir