2008 Big Basin Vineyards Woodruff Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 70 cases, $48, released fall 2010. This vineyard is located in the Corralitos area at the southern end of the Santa Cruz Mountains chain and was planted in 1988. 30% whole cluster, whole berry, indigenous yeast fermentation. Aged for 14 months in 66% new French oak barrels. Unfined, unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The wine is young and tight, offering little fruit on the nose at present. There is some charming dark red berry fruit evident that is nicely framed by oak and persists on the soft finish. The mouth feel is smooth and seamless. I like this wine for its finesse and potential and would like to revisit this wine after a year in the cellar. The wine tasted a slight bit better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Good. Reviewed September 22, 2010

Winery: Big Basin Vineyards
From article: Big Basin Vineyards: A Special Site in the Santa Cruz Mountains