2009 Dehlinger High Plains Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

15.4% alc., $60. From the highest ground of the 1989 planting. Usually these grapes are included in the Estate blends or Reserve bottling. 96% Pommard and 4% Swan clone. Yields were 1.25 tons per acre. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very ripe fruit aromas featuring Bing cherries with a hint of spice and seasoned oak. Rich, long and plush, with copious amounts of black cherry and black raspberry fruit with a sidekick of oak vanillin and cola. The bombastic sap is very seductive and persists on the dry finish which has healthy tannins and a bit of heat. Retasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the fruit veered to the dark (over ripe) side. Good for its style. Reviewed October 2, 2012

Winery: Dehlinger Winery
From article: California Pinot Noir from A to T