2007 Tandem Hawk’s Roost Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

15.1% alc., pH 3.69, 184 cases, $54. Entirely from Mariafeld clone (UCD 23). Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak. · Moderately deep garnet color. Oak char is prominent on the nose and obscures the underlying fruit. A well-endowed, generously extracted wine with a thick core of dark stone fruits, blackberries, beef and tar. Plenty of tannin still to shed. The alcohol is well hidden. The finish leaves an oak hangover. Will improve with time in the cellar, but will always be an oaky wine. Decent (-). Reviewed October 29, 2009

Winery: Tandem
From article: Small Sips of Russian River Valley Pinot