2013 Albatross Ridge Estate Reserve Carmel Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.68, 300 cases, $55. A selection of the twelve finest barrels of the vintage. Harvest Brix 21.5º-23.5º. Clones 777, 115, “828,” and Pommard. 90% de-stemmed, 4-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new, bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. A tug of oak currently spearheads this mid weight plus wine offering aromas and flavors of blackberry, black grape, cassis, spice and black tea. The fine grain tannins and acidity are well balanced and the silky texture is très Pinot. The wine is currently a bit tight and the oak overlay is a bit much, but these features should mollify with a few years in the cellar. Score: 90-91. Reviewed January 17, 2016

Winery: Albatross Ridge
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir