2016 Three Sticks Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.63, 392 cases, $65. Released February 6, 2018. Sourced from vineyards north of Sebastopol. Open-top bin fermentation, 12% whole cluster, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. Grapes 100% de-stemmed, whole berry fermentation using native and cultured yeast in open-top tanks. Aged for 11+ months in French oak barrels, 38% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Intensive swirling fails to bring out much charm on the nose, revealing only toast, bark, cigar and menthol. The well-ripened black cherry and black raspberry core is accented with notes of cola, dark chocolate and contentious toasty oak. The tannins are quite modest and the fruit-driven finish strives to please, but the oak disguises the Pinot character. Score: 87. Reviewed April 15, 2018

Winery: Three Sticks Wines
From article: Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay