2008 Trecini Vicini Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $35. Clones 777 and 828. Frost reduced yields to 3/4 ton per acre. Aged in new and minimally used French Burgundy oak barrels for 11 months. · Opens slowly in the glass to reveal appealing aromas of ripe strawberries, grape must, sandalwood and pine pitch. Discreetly concentrated wave of pretty black cherry and berry fruit underlain with flavors of cola, baking spice and oak, wrapped in mild unresolved tannins and offering a soft mouthfeel. There is an appealing freshness to the fruit here. Typical Russian River Valley offering. I found it at Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa for $24. Good (+). Reviewed March 2, 2011

Winery: Trecini Cellars
From article: Mining for Good Under-$30 Pinot: Inflation Tamers