2013 Olsen Perri Wines L’Apache Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.60, 92 cases, $45. A selection of the best 4 barrels of the 2013 vintage. The name gets its inspiration from a violent but colorful Paris street gang from the late 1800s known as the Apache (“a-posh”). Grapes were sourced from Hilliard Bruce Vineyards, Bassi Ranch and Pence Ranch. Clones 777 and Pommard. Minor stem inclusion, cool native fermentation in small batches, pressed with a basket press and moved to French oak barrels, 50% new, where it was aged for 10 months. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of darker red berries and cherries, green herbs and oak. The fruit flavors of black cherry and black raspberry are overlain with an earthy, herbal tone and plenty of toasty oak. The tannins are nicely folded in and the finish is quite juicy. There is too much oak at play for my personal taste at present, but this may mitigate some over time in bottle. Score: 88. Reviewed May 25, 2015

Winery: Olsen Perri Wines
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir