2012 Gehricke Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., RS 2.5 g/L, 1,050 cases, $50. The first entry into the premium wine market by The Other Guys known for laid back labels like Hey Mambo, Pennywise and Plungerhead. This wine resulted from a collaboration between August Sebastiani and his brother-in-law and winemaker, Kendrick Coakley. Aged 9 months in French oak. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Oak aromas and flavors dominate the lovely fruit in this otherwise appealing wine. The nose offers scents of dark chocolate coated black cherries, smoke and coffee. Silky smooth on the palate, with a mid weight core of sweet, fresh black cherry and black raspberry fruits with anise, spice and dark chocolate notes in the background. Modest tannins and some length on the fruit-laden finish. Your pleasure will depend on how big a role you want oak to play in your Pinot. Score: 89. Reviewed December 10, 2014

Winery: The Other Guys
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (& Chardonnay)