2010 W.H. Smith Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 226 cases, $48. This vineyard is owned and farmed by Gard and Lori Hellenthal and lies only 5 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Clones are Pommard and 777. Extreme growing conditions were challenging in 2010. Aged 9 months in new and used French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry, cranberry and smoky oak. Gentle and light in weight in this vintage, with delicate flavors of spiced cherry, red berries and oak-driven toast and smoke. Welcoming finesse with less tannin presence in this vintage and some finishing length. The wine showed more oak presence the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 88. Reviewed December 18, 2013

Winery: W.H. Smith
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir