2012 Longoria Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc, pH 3.51, TA 0.59, 168 cases, $45. 20th vintage of Pinot Noir that Longoria has produced from this vineyard. Block N is one of the original blocks of Pinot Noir at Bien Nacido planted in the 1970s. Harvest Brix 23.8º. 100% de-stemmed, 3- day cold soak, inoculated 7-day fermentation. Aged 14 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · This is a very distinctive wine. Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose starts off with prominent notes of evergreen tree and tomato leaf with a hint of black raspberry and cherry. Over time in the glass, the vegetal notes recede and the fruit is more sparkling. Similarly on the palate, the earthy dark cherry and raspberry fruit is clothed in tobacco leaf and dried herb flavors initially, shedding those notes over time in the glass and developing more pure fruit flavors. This unique wine grows on you over time, with the herbal notes declining and becoming more complimentary. Decant or hold this wine in your cellar for a year or two. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2014

Winery: Longoria Wines
From article: Recent Sips of Pinot Noir