A fruit forward Pinot with a full mouth-feel and balanced acidity. Aromas of red cherry, rhubarb and a hint of cola. The palate is rewarded with a kaleidoscope of bright red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, brown spice and just a touch of white pepper. Subtle notes of cherry pie on the finish. Give this wine at least 30 minutes to open to full potential. Buy This Wine
Napa is not known as a Pinot growing region but this Pinot works. A nose of cherry, blackberry offering hints of cola and smoke. A soft mouth-feel with silky tannins and mild acidity. Full fruit with flavors of cherry, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, dusty dark chocolate combine with a a complex earthiness. Just a hint of smokiness in the finish. Buy This Wine
J Vineyards Pinot Noir 2012, Estate Grown, Russian River Valley, CA, $37 (S) – Rating 92A richer style of Pinot Noir showing off a nose of cherry and raspberry with notes of mocha and smoke. Subtle tannins and combined with bright acidity and a lush mouth-feel. On the palate, blueberry, raspberry and pomegranate. A pleasant hint of espresso in the finish. Buy This Wine
Russian River Vineyards Pinot Noir, Fratti Lane 2012, Russian River Valley, CA $55 (S) – Rating 91An expressive single vineyard Pinot Noir from the Green Valley section of the Russian River Valley. Rich aromas of red berry, blueberry and raspberry with hints of mocha and espresso. Soft tannins and mouth-feel yet still holding on to some crisp acidity. Well integrated flavors of cherry, raspberry and a little rhubarb. Espresso on the long finish. Only 50 cases made. Buy This Wine
MacPhail Family Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2012, Sonoma Coast, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 92A delicious blend of eight single vineyard pedigree wines. An excellent example of why the Sonoma Coast is garnering Pinot accolades. A robust nose of red and black cherry complimented by ripe strawberry and brown spice. A truly elegant mouth-feel with crisp acidity and supple tannins. Rich flavors of cherry, ripe strawberry, pepper, brown spice and hints of dark chocolate. Notes of cherry and espresso in the finish. Buy This Wine
