2013 Stemmler Laura Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.59, 72 cases, $44. In 2012, Donum Estate’s long time vineyard manager moved into the old farmhouse on the Winside property and in 2013 his wife gave birth to a baby girl named Laura. In her honor, this special bottling was sourced from a single block within the vineyard and selected from the three best barrels of Dijon 115 clone. Bottled August 2014. 100% de-stemmed, 6-day cold soak, aged on lees for 10months in 100% French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding but pleasant aromas of blackberry jam, black cherry compote, spice and earth lead to a delicious palate of mid weight plus dark berry and black cherry fruit flavors that veer toward over ripeness but do not cross the line. An exemplary Russian River Valley Pinot Noir showing the typical luscious fruit theme this region is known for. There is good harmony, with the alcohol and tannins tucked into place. Score: 90. Reviewed September 18, 2015

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