2014 Waxwing “Bohemian Blend” California Red Table Wine

13.9% alc., 98 cases, $28. Released October 2015. 50% Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir from the Lester Family Vineyard and 50% Bennett Valley Syrah from Three Creeks Vineyard in Sonoma County. 100% of the fruit was crushed by foot whole cluster and fermented with indigenous yeast in open-top fermenters. Aged 11 months in once-used French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Engaging aromas of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco and oak spice. This mid weight plus wine is enjoyable and silky in the mouth, but it drinks more like a Syrah and the Pinot Noir fruit is swallowed up by the Syrah fruit and tannins. The core flavors are black cherry, blackberry, spice and vanilla, maintaining some intensity on the finish that displays a noticeable rush of tannins. A marvelous foil for a steak. Score: 88. Reviewed November 5, 2015

Winery: Waxwing Wine Cellars
From article: Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir: The Bar Keeps Moving Higher