2015 Waxwing Ascona Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 54 cases, $48. Released March 2017. Martini, Pommard, 115 and Mt. Eden clones. 100% of grapes crushed by foot whole cluster and fermented with Assmanhausen yeast. 5-day cold soak, punch downs two to three times per day and aged 15 months in once-used French oak barrels. Bottled after a light filtration. · Moderate purple color in the glass. Cherry, spice and earthy flora infuse the nose with goodness, especially over time in the glass. Modest in attack and finish, featuring a mid weight essence of clove-infused cherry fruits framed by bright acidity and toothsome, mildly astringent tannins that surge on the finish. This wine needs more time in bottle that hopefully will soften the tannins. Otherwise it has some nice attributes. Tasted twice. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2017

Winery: Waxwing Wine Cellars
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir