2009 Dierberg Estate Grown Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.81, $42 (often priced by retailers at $35). Dierberg Vineyard is situated on top a sandy loam mesa above the southern bank of the Santa Maria River, in the far western portion of the Santa Maria AVA. Its proximity to the ocean makes it one of the coolest vineyards in the AVA. Planted in 1997, the vineyard is planted to 11 different clones include 60% Dijon and 40% heritage types. 1 month on skins, aged 18 months in 33% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Penetrating aromas of black plum, blackberry, black currant and forest floor on the nose with a hint of oak. Impressive flavor attack on entry carrying through to a powerful fruitdriven finish. There are charming flavors of blackberries, Hoison sauce, anise and spice with well-managed oak in the background. Very soft on the palate with good supporting acidity. Much better later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good. Reviewed April 13, 2013

Winery: Dierberg Vineyards
From article: Finding the Central Coast