2013 J. Lohr Falcon’s Perch Monterey County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.55, $17. Grapes are sourced from Santa Lucia Highlands (57%) and Arroyo Seco (43%). Harvest Brix 26.9º. 3-day cold soak, fermented in 12-ton lots in open-top punchdown tanks. Matured in stainless steel with 17% aged in third-fill French oak barrels. · Very dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy aromas of blackberry jam, anise and oak. A decadent wine that reminds of Syrah with a voluptuous core of blackberry, crème de cassis and white pepper flavors. Very plush and velvety on the palate with soft tannins. Loads of fruit but little complexity or verve. Score: 87. Reviewed July 12, 2015

Winery: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
From article: Many Very Good to Extraordinary California Pinot Noirs Tasted Recently