2012 J. Lohr Estates Falcon’s Perch Monterey County Pinot Noir

13.66% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.70, $17. Dijon and Pommard clones. Harvest Brix 26.5º. Maturation in stainless steel with 15% aged in second fill French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of black cherry, strawberry jam and smoky oak. Mid weight flavors of very ripe black cherry, black raspberry, and strawberry fruit, with spice and oak intermingling in a satisfying wine with some intensity and length on the finish which is replete with cherry liquor goodness. Curiously, there were no new oak barrels used in vinification, yet oak seems to stand out. Score: 87. Reviewed July 19, 2014

Winery: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers