2012 Hirsch Vineyards East Ridge Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 470 cases, $85. This wine is a selection of the best barrels from the three oldest blocks on the ridge. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is noticeably unique with a stony minerality evident accenting the fresh cherry fruit aromas. On entry, the plum, cherry and berry assemblage explodes in the mouth and refuses to leave on the endless finish which offers a wave of fruit and tannin. Oak is beautifully integrated. A masculine expression of the vineyard but not in an extreme sense. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the attack of succulent fruit is still engaging and the tannic backbone is still slightly daunting. Cellar this baby. Score: 92-93. Reviewed November 5, 2015

Winery: Hirsch Vineyards
From article: Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir: The Bar Keeps Moving Higher