2011 MacPhail Rita’s Crown Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.54, 253 cases, $49. Released fall 2013. Harvest Brix 24.0º. Clones 115, 777 and “828.” 25% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 11 months in 50% new, 25% 1-year-old, and 25% 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Prominent aromas of oak-driven vanilla and toast with a hint of black cherry in the background. Full-bodied array of dark cherry and berry flavors with a tug of dry oak and oak tannin and a vanilla sheen on the finish. The oak plays too big a role for me to enjoy this wine. Score: 86. Reviewed May 15, 2014

Winery: MacPhail Wines
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir