2013 MacPhail Vagon Rouge Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.52, 150 cases, $65. Releaed fall 2015. Sourced from Lakeview, Susanna’s and Mardikian Estate vineyards. A mix of winemaker James MacPhail’s favorite 6 barrels throughout the year. Clones are heirloom (suitcase), Swan, 114, Martini and Pommard. Harvest Brix 23.1º-25.4º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, native and cultured yeast fermentations, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, lees stirring weekly for 3 months, aged 17 months on the lees in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new, bottled unfined and unfiltered February 24, 2015. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers an appealing combination of savory woodland and spice savory notes along with fresh black cherry fruit. Charming and fruit-driven on the palate, with a sappy charge of black cherry, black raspberry, pomegranate, spice cake flavors framed by silky tannins and a subtle waft of oak. A solid, seamless wine with some finishing length. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016

Winery: MacPhail Wines
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir