2016 Big Basin Alfaro Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 155 cases, $60. Released September 2018. Clones 667, 777 and 115. 17-year-old vines. Harvest Brix 23.3º-23.6º. Fermented 100% whole cluster, native yeast, and aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. No additions beyond S02 after malolactic was completed in barrel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Engaging nose offering aromas of darker berry and cherry, exotic spices, oak sawdust and a hint of fresh leafy greens. Up-front opulent black raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors underpinned by muscular tannins. Sheer beauty of fruit with welcome uplifting acidity and a notably long finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the imposing tannins had mollified. This wine will benefit from more time in the cellar. Score: 92. Reviewed October 12, 2018

Winery: Big Basin Vineyards
From article: Oregon’s Big Table Farm and California’s Big Basin Committed to Whole Cluster