2012 Sinor-LaVallee Anniversary Cuvée San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 48 cases, $50. A blend of all the vineyards Mike Sinor works with. 100% whole cluster. Only produced in special vintages. Fermented in 60 gallon barrels with one end removed. Native primary and malolactic fermentations. Average 12 days in fermenter. Pressed off using an imported Italian basket press. Aged 15 months in 50% new Francois Frères oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. This is a wine that demands your attention. Lovely aromas of wild berries, redwoods, and exotic spices. Discreetly concentrated dark red and purple fruits fill the mid palate with goodness. The tannic backbone is firm and sculpted at this stage, but not intrusive. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, the wine had elevated, showing more integration of tannins, and a spectacular peacock finish. This is a connoisseur's wine that will reward time in the cellar. Score: 94. Reviewed July 19, 2014

Winery: Sinor-LaVallee
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers