2014 Morgan Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.62, 44 cases, $60. Clones are Pisoni and 777. Vineyard is three miles south of Double L Vineyard and was planted in 1996 by Gary Franscioni and his spouse Rosella. 100% de-stemmed, native yeasts began the whole berry fermentation, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This wine is more ripe fruited and more sappy than usual for wines from this vineyard. Aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, game and brioche lead to a mid weight plus styled wine with a gorgeous core of boysenberry, black raspberry and plum fruit well-accented with Asian 5-spice. Noticeable attack, expansive presence on the palate, and a very sustaining finish. The tannins are well matched, and a subtle bit of oak vanillin adds interest. Score: 93. Reviewed June 18, 2016

Winery: Morgan Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir