2012 MacRostie Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 486 cases, $42, screwcap. Sourced from several vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, punch downs twice a day in 5-ton fermenters, aged in French oak barrels of which 26% were new, 31% one-year-old and the remaining neutral. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose opens with appealing aromas of black cherry and dark raspberry, but oak-driven scents of char and tobacco smoke take over. More appealing on the palate where the wine is relatively light in weight with inviting elegance. Forward and easy drinking with a modest attack of Bing cherry, cola and sassafras flavors backed by lively acidity and mild tannins, the wine finishes with an array of darker stone and berry fruits. Score: 88. Reviewed January 23, 2015

Winery: MacRostie Winery & Vineyards
From article: MacRostie Winery & Vineyards: Evolving to Embrace Quality