2013 Bailiwick Borderline Marin County Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.54, 300 cases, $36. Sourced from Kendric and Chileno Valley vineyards. Clones 667 and 777. Aged 17 months in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new. 23% of Kendric Vineyard fruit fermented whole cluster. 4 to 6-day cold soak, proprietary yeasts, several day post fermentation maceration. A blend of the best barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose leads with a mix of cherry, Xmas spice and tobacco. Soft, even slightly creamy in the mouth, with a modestly concentrated array of oak-kissed cherry, red berry, cola and spice flavors. The fruit is framed by suave tannins and the persistent aromatic cherry finish brings a smile. This wine is very solid, but not to my favored taste since there is too much tobacco-charged oak overlay even when tasted the following day. Score: 88. Reviewed November 5, 2015

Winery: Bailiwick Wines
From article: Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir: The Bar Keeps Moving Higher