2020 Testarossa Niclaire California Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.644, RS .08%, 615 cases, $100. Released June 2022. The winemaker’s choice of the best barrels in the cellar. Sourced from multiple vineyards including Sanford & Benedict (35%), La Rinconada (15%), Rincon (15%). Rosemary’s (8%), Brousseau (4%), and new oak barrel. A sexy wine that is Rancho La Vina (4%). 100% de-stemmed, fermented in stainless steel. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 65% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Haunting aromas of black cherry, raspberry, sous bois and new oak. Discreet intensity of flavor in a mid-weight style, offering flavors of dark red cherry, red raspberry, strawberry, and spice. Flawless, with a very sleek mouthfeel and spot-on integration of tannins and acidity. Very well-mannered now and easy to like, but has the balance to rest in the cellar for even more enjoyment in years to come. This is the winemaker’s best effort and it shows. Score: 96. Reviewed December 3, 2022

Winery: Testarossa Vineyards
From article: TESTAROSSA Winery