2013 MacPhail “The Flyer” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.56, 263 cases, $59. Released spring 2016. Sourced from Susanna’s Vineyard. Clones are Calera, Dehlinger Swan, and Quail Hill Vineyard Swan. Harvest Brix 24.5º-25.0º. 100% de-stemmed, 6-day cold soak, primary fermentation started with native yeast, then finished with proprietary yeast, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, batonnage weekly for 3 months, and aged 16 months on lees in French oak barrels, 45% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is dominated by oak-driven aromas of espresso and tobacco. Much better on the palate, with an enjoyable, intensely flavored essence of oak-kissed, black cherry and purple berry fruits. Well-endowed with fruit, but still light and seductively silky on the palate. Your tolerance for the notable imprint of oak will determine your pleasure. Score: 89. Reviewed April 22, 2016

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