2012 Thomas Fogarty Rapley Trail Vineyard Henry Ayrtons’ Block Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 75 cases, $85. 0.5 acres of Martini clone planted in 1983 at 1500 feet elevation in shale and sandstone. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is quite reserved, even when checked a day after opening, with scents of dark red cherry and berry and dried herbs. There is some spectacular fruit here presently buried in aggressive tannins. The finish is replete with dark red berry fruit that hangs on for at least a minute. The status was about the same the following day when re-tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Hopefully, the tannins will ameliorate over time. Score: 89-91. Reviewed July 12, 2015

Winery: Thomas Fogarty Winery
From article: Many Very Good to Extraordinary California Pinot Noirs Tasted Recently