2017 Waxwing Deerheart Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 42 cases, $55. Released March 2019. This newer vineyard is located in a secluded valley just five miles from the Pacific Ocean and exposed to its share of coastal fog in the mornings. It was planted from 2012 to 2016 by owners Bob and Joanne Larson. Winemaker Scott Sisemore takes all the fruit from this vineyard. Clones 667, 777, “828,”, 943, 459, 2A on a variety of rootstocks. 100% de-stemmed, inoculated with Assmanhausen yeast after a 5-day cold soak. Aged 10 months in once-used French oak barrels and bottled with light filtration. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Alluring aromas of black cherry, blackberry, spice, clay loam and nutty oak. Tasty middleweight plus flavors of blackberry, black currant, brown spice and black tea create a lasting impression on the fruit-filled finish. A hardy, giving wine that is also nuanced. Score: 92. Reviewed April 16, 2019

Winery: Waxwing Wine Cellars
From article: Recently Tasted California Wines