2014 Chateau St. Jean Reserve Sonoma County Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., $70. Heavy bottled, embossed and signed by the winemaker. A selection of the most intensely flavored barrels. 100% Clone 777. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 39% new, and an additional 7 months in bottle before release. Bottled unfined. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The toasty oak on the nose obscures the fruit aromas. Approachable flavors of oak-infused majestic dark fruits including black cherry with added notes of anise and black tea. Very seductive, silken mouth feel with tame tannins and a modest but pleasing finish. There is a paucity of nuance and sophistication and a bit more barrel treatment than I prefer. Score: 92. Reviewed March 17, 2018

Winery: Chateau St. Jean Winery & Vineyards
From article: California Pinot Noir Worth Toasting