2012 Bernardus Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 448 cases, $70. Pisoni clone. Aged in 100% French oak barrels of which 50% were new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The brooding nose offers restrained aromas of blackberry, cassis and black tea. A bruiser with fruit that really grabs hold on entry, offering flavors of blackberry and cassis that build in intensity on the huge finish. The onslaught of fruit and tannins is daunting now and this wine should benefit from several years in the cellar. Score: 91-92. Reviewed February 8, 2015

Winery: Bernardus Vineyards & Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay