2012 Small Vines Wines Baranoff Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.57, 93 cases, $65. Released August 5, 2014. Vineyard planted in 2001 at top of ridge above the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sebastopol. Sustainably farmed by Small Vines Viticulture, Inc.. Mostly Calera clone with some 115 and 777. Native yeast fermentation and native MLF. 35% whole cluster. Aged 15 months on fine lees in 25% new French oak. 100% free run. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Glorious nose over time, sporting aromas of black cherry, balsam, baking spice and Christmas kitchen. Amazing presence on the palate with numbing fruit intensity rarely seen in Pinot Noir. The dark berry and cherry fruit sap grabs on tenaciously through a very long finish. The firm, youthful tannic backbone holds the fruit in check and there is enough acidity to brighten the wine. This is a powerhouse wine that will need a few years for the tannins to soften. Don’t even think about drinking this wine now unless you decant for several hours. Score: 94. Reviewed December 10, 2014

Winery: Small Vines Wines
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (& Chardonnay)