2014 Kutch Falstaff Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., 350 cases, $59. This vineyard is located at the extreme edge of the Pacific Ocean and is the coldest site Kutch works with. Planted in 2001 by owners Ron and Judy Lougheed in marine quartz sandstone and Goldridge soils to Dijon clones “828,” 777 and 115. Yields often less than 1 ton per acre with very small berries and clusters. 100% whole cluster. Crushed and punched down by foot, native yeast primary fermentation and native malolactic fermentation, aged on lees for 11 months without racking in 100% neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with hi-tone scents of black cherry, bark, pine sap and rose petal. Vibrant on the palate, with vivid flavors of dark red cherries and berries and spice accented with a woodsy, earthy bent. Very inviting, with buried tannins and a vivacious finish of graham and soil-fused fruit. This is a wine with many nuances you would hope for and some you didn’t know you wanted. Score: 93. Reviewed April 2, 2016

Winery: Kutch Wines
From article: Many Exceptional Pinot Noirs Reviewed