2013 Stemmler Winside Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.59, 1,277 cases, $44. Bottled August 2014. Vineyard planted in 1997 under The Donum Estate’s guidance and vineyard management and was recently acquired by the winery and renamed Winside Vineyard. 11 acres planted to a mix of Dijon 115 and 667, and 5 acres of Pommard which came into production in 2011. This wine is 50% 115, 35% Pommard and 15% 667. 100% de-stemmed, 5 to 7-day cold soak, extended post fermentation maceration of 2 to 14 days, aged on lees for 9 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. A complex array of aromas including spiced black cherry, cassis, hay bale and mushroom lead to deep flavors of black cherry and blackberry fruits in a mid weight style with a tug of nutty oak. Silky on the palate, with firm but balanced tannins, and a decent but not notable finish. Score: 89. Reviewed September 18, 2015

Winery: Stemmler
From article: Small Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir