2013 Gary Farrell Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.65, 507 cases, $65. Released May 2015. Gary Farrell Winery has sourced fruit from this historic vineyard for more than 20 years and is one of the fortunate few to source some of the Pommard selection from the legendary Q Block, considered the most prestigious Pinot Noir block on this famous site. De-stemmed with a small percentage of whole clusters, 5 to 7-day cold soak, 10 to 15 days of extended maceration. Pressed gently off the skins and seeds, inoculated for malolactic fermentation, and racked into French oak barrels, 40% of which were new. Aged 14 months on primary lees, racked once just before bottling. · Light garnet color in the glass. The nose blossoms over time in the glass, offering aromas of cherry, strawberry, herbs, spice and sandalwood. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry and raspberry are accented with hints of oak vanillin. Soft and supple in the mouth with juicy acidity and modest fine-grain tannins. Very easy to like with a generous finish that lasts and lasts. This is a delicate wine that really delivers flavor and persistence. The finish seals the deal for me. Score: 94. Reviewed May 14, 2015

Winery: Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
From article: Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir