2006 Sand Hill Wines Durell Vineyard Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $47. Durell Vineyard is a long time acclaimed producer of Chardonnay for Kistler Vineyards. Durell Vineyard II climate. The vineyard manager is Steve Hill and the winemaker is Don Van Staaveren. 100% de-stemmed, 80% whole berry fermentation, 5 day cold soak, manual punch downs, basket-pressed and gravity-fed into tight grain, medium-plus toast French oak barrels. Aged 14-16 months in barrel and 10-12 months in bottle. · Intense aromas of black cherries, savory herbs and oak. Well-oaked light cherry fruit on the palate with a vegetal edge. Smoothly textured with supple tannins. Tasted twice on different occasions. Reviewed May 7, 2009

Winery: Sand Hill Wines at Durell Vineyard
From article: Small Sips of More California Pinot