2017 Cattleya Belly of the Whale Carneros Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 78 cases, $70. Sourced from the 45- acre Donum Estate Vineyard. Roederer clone from the oldest block. 100% de-stemmed, 10-day cold soak, fermented on the skins for 24 days, and aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Clean and spirited aromas of fresh black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal, sous bois, smores and cigar. Robust, virile and fruit-driven, featuring deep, dark flavors of black cherry and blackberry that flood the palate with goodness. Full-flavored, yet has welcome finesse and a silken mouthfeel. The felty tannins fit right in, the vibrant acidity elevates, and a sneaky hint of savoriness peaks one’s interest. Score: 93. Reviewed June 4, 2019

Winery: Cattleya Wines
From article: Russian River Valley: Pisoni/Lucia, Cattleya, Benovia, Furthermore & Small Vines