Ryan Vineyard Pinot Noir

One of the very few cali’s that taste like a burgundy. Very volnay like

After leaving it about 4 hours open... This wine gave me a flashback. Way back in school while backpacking Europe, I bee-lined to the hospices de beaune. Armed with the supplied tastevin, I remember having the ‘78 Echezeaux. And being floored. I said to the old guy there... “wow... this is way better than Bordeaux!!!” He laughed something in French which I took as “you betcha”.

inky purple; plum, sassafras, violets; dense, powerful, dark fruit; medium+ acidity, 13.9% ABV, tight, tannic; sourced from Calera’s highest vineyard, 70% whole clusters, 20 months in 30% new French oak; $32 for a 375 mL

Smooth purple fruit. Lots of acidity. Complex yet pleasant. Long life ahead.

Light mix of garnet and ruby red. Light and elegant nose with lavender, floral, cinnamon and cherries. Some dirtiness and greenery too. Medium acidity (6.5/10) and medium bodied. A bit funky in the palate with some smoky notes. More notes of boiled cherries, minerality, raspberries, spices and anise. Medium plus finish. Drink till 2021.

Classic cali pinot ...very fruit forward, red fruits, little bit darker in color than expected, jammy, high alcohol (14.7), med plus acid, med tannins, mod new oak , french, which was very pleasing with the amount of alcohol. Licorice and cola. Its what I expected for cali pinot...fun blind!

With grilled pork tenderloin marinated in red wine, mustard, garlic. Celebrating 11 years at IWCB.

I figured it out. Calera pinots taste like Syrah based wines, not burgundy, and they are delicious as such.

Subtle variations on a theme.

Wow!