2012 Ryan Cochrane Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 134 cases, $43. 75% Dijon 115, 25% Pommard 5. 30% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A bit brooding initially, reluctantly offering aromas of dark berry fruits, rose petal and oak. The succulent, mid weight plus blackberry and boysenberry fruits flood the mouth with sweet, sappy goodness, carrying over to a luscious finish offering citrus-laced berry fruits. The most concentrated and darkest fruited of the four Pinot Noirs tasted here with the most intensity on the finish. The wine becomes more appealing over time in the glass and showed better oak integration the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Decant if you drink now, but better to give this beauty another year or two in bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed May 25, 2015

Winery: Ryan Cochrane Wines
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir