2011 Cinnabar Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.61, 125 cases, $42. Family owned winery established in 1981 that sources from diverse California vineyards. This wine is sourced from Saveria Vineyard near the town of Corralitos. Clones 115 and 667. Whole berry fermentation for twelve days, aged 11 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Final blend determined by judicious barrel selection. Lightly filtered. · Moderate reddishpurple color in the glass. The nose opens nicely over time in the glass to reveal aromas of red cherries, raspberries, oak spice, white pepper, vanilla and red rose petals. Simple and direct initially, picking up nuances and intensity over time in the glass. The flavors echo the aromas with an added hint of mushrooms on the grill, herbs and pleasant oak. Mild tannins and easy drink ability now. This is a wine that grows on you over time. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013

Winery: Cinnabar Vineyards & Winery
From article: Sips of California Pinot Noir