2009 Paraiso Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 14,672 cases, $25, screwcap. Double Gold Medal at San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Third generation growing family with first vines planted in 1973. First winery in region to receive SIP™ Certified Sustainable in 2008. A blend of six clones from estate vineyard. 70% fermented in 5-ton open top fermenters with the balance in 10-ton tanks. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddishpurple color in the glass. Scent of cherries, raspberries, brown spice and maple syrup. Tasteful in an elegant style, featuring cherry and strawberry flavors with a hint of baking spices and oak. Juicy, with soft tannins. A satisfying drink that was even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good, especially at this modest price. Reviewed March 23, 2013

Winery: Paraiso Vineyards
From article: Recent Sips of Pinot Noir