2012 Stemmler Estate Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.80, TA 0.61, 1,727 cases, $44. Released May 2014. A blend of Donum-Roederer, Calera and Martini selections and Dijon 115, 667 and 777 clones representing all nine blocks on the 45-acre Donum Ranch. Each hand-harvested lot was fermented separately using native yeasts. 11 to 25 days on skins. Aged 10 months in 20% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Vibrant aromas of fresh Bing cherries, spice and musky oak. A full mouth full of Pinot Noir featuring sweet, perfectly ripened cherries and welcome oak barrel presence. Seamless, with a silky, long and generous finish. A treat. Score: 91. Reviewed July 19, 2014

Winery: Stemmler
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers