2013 Soliste Les Griottes Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.59, 73 cases, $85. “828” clone. Harvested at first light and field sorted. 20% whole cluster fermentation. Brief cold soak, fermentation in small lots with ritual manual punch downs. Aged 16 months in neutral French oak barrels. Claude says, “Captures the alchemy that becomes great Pinot Noir, including the intoxicating nose, powerful yet refined layers of spice, sous-bois, truffles and wild cherry, amazing length and complex finish.” Essentially the same wine as Le Ambroisie but intended primarily for restaurants. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of ripe plum, darker cherry, peppery spices and redwood forest. Intriguing in the mouth, with mid weight flavors of Middle Eastern spices, black cherry, purple berry and a touch of nuttiness. The wine has admirable elegance, honorable balance and a driven finish. Score: 93. Reviewed April 1, 2018

Winery: Soliste
From article: Soliste Pinot Noir is a Modern Interpretation of the Craftsmanship of the Cistercian Monks of Vougeot