2016 HIBOU Alder Springs Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 75 cases, $45. Vineyard planting began in 1993 by Stu Bewley. 100% whole cluster. Clone 459. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, and racked just before bottling. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of dark cherry, dark red berry, forest floor, underbrush and cola. The mid weight plus essence of well-spiced boysenberry and blackberry fruits is initially framed by imposing tannins. The lustrous texture pleases as does the slightly astringent, yet bountiful finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the tannins showed some amelioration and the fruit was more bounteous. The 100% whole cluster creates the tannic load but this will improve with more time in bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed April 14, 2018

Winery: Hibou Wine Cellars
From article: Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay