2015 Joseph Jewell Elk Prairie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.58, 75 cases, $42. Organically farmed Martini clone planted own-rooted in 1991. Harvest Brix 24.2º. 100% destemmed, native yeast fermentation in stainless open-top tanks. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose starts out quite vegetative with aromas of turned earth and peat that give way over time to black cherry, berry jam and oak spice aromas. The mid weight flavors of dark red berries and cherries are accompanied by green tobacco and earth notes. The fruit tries hard to impress on the mid palate, but gives way on the short finish. Green tobacco and earth notes lean heavily on the fruit expression, and there is a bit of alcoholic heat on the finish. Score: 88. Reviewed June 29, 2018

Winery: Joseph Jewell Wines
From article: Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay