2012 Fog Crest Vineyard Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $53. The vineyard is on a bench above the Laguna de Santa Rosa. Clones are 115, 777, “828,” Pommard and Mt. Eden. Primarily Goldridge soils. The winemaker is Jérôme Chéry, formerly a winemaker at Newton, Littorai, and Saintsbury. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aroma of fresh Bing cherries is accented by toasty oak. Soft and velvety in the mouth, this fruit-driven, mid to full-bodied wine, sports the luscious cherry fruit that the Russian River Valley is known for. The tannins are balanced, the velvety texture is particularly appealing, and the oak compliment adds toast and spice flavors. The wine will appeal to those who like a big, fruity style of Pinot Noir with a tug of oak. Score: 90. Reviewed July 19, 2014

Winery: Fog Crest Vineyard
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers