2014 Nielson by Byron Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.55, $45, screwcap. Swan and Calera clones. 33% whole cluster fermented. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of Hoison sauce, clove and blackberry jam lead off. A forward drinking wine that offers flavors of nutty oak-kissed black cherry and blueberry-pomegranate. The tannins are in check and the wine holds its alcohol well. I wanted more from the nose, but the wine is very giving on the palate and the whole cluster addition rounds out nicely the texture. Score: 90. Reviewed August 17, 2016

Winery: Byron Vineyard & Winery
From article: Recently Tasted Notable California Pinot Noirs