David Bruce clone lends a silky texture and floral aromas to the earthy, spicebox base of Champagne/UCD clone 32 and Dijon clone 115. A totally unique California Pinot Noir with a rare mix of clones, made in a more Burgundian style: lighter-colored, delicate, nuanced and layered with very distinctive vibrant aromas of ripe bing cherry, rose petal, plumeria and baking spice that jump out of the glass, with deeply earthy redwood bark and cinnamon undertones. One longtime pinot noir grower has characterized it as "Spectacular! a sure winner! My palate tasted pure velvet, Pinot magic!"
This w**e bears the designation "Selezione Susie" in memory of our late friend Susie Abma, because w**emaker John Benedetti has declared it the standout of the 2010 vintage. Aged 10 months sur lies in 70% new French, Hungarian and American oak. 100 cases produced. pH 3.65. Coopers: Francois Freres, Odysé, Mistral. Reviews:
From the PinotFile:
"Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Oak-kissed red fruit aromas with notes of rose petals, baking spice and sandalwood. Spicy, red fruited core including prominent strawberry flavor, underlain with cinnamon, oak vanillin and a hint of citrus. Different types of oak give the w**e a spiced flavor profile that veers from the expected norm for California Pinot Noir. Elegant with a very bright cut of acidity on the finish. Good (+)."
