2011 Gary Farrell Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.62, 143 cases, $60. Release June 2014. Sourced from one of the newer Bacigalupi vineyards, Frost Ranch bought by the Bacigalupi family in 1993 and Block 9 is planted entirely to a Wente selection of Pinot Noir. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 13 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Racked and returned once out of barrel before final blending and bottling. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Appealing aromas of black cherry, forest floor, spice and rose petal emerge over time in the glass. The exuberant black cherry and raspberry core provides good richness on the mid palate, carrying over to a generous and sleek finish replete with notes of dried herbs and tea leaves. The fine-grain tannins and forward fruit make for easy drinking now. Score: 90. Reviewed March 29, 2014

Winery: Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines