2003 Marcassin - Pinot Noir Three Sisters Vineyard Pinot Noir - USA - California - Sonoma - Sonoma Coast - Red

(from Sonoma Coast fruit bottled at 14.9%) In contrast to the curious aromatic profiles of the prior two wines, here the nose is clean though the elevated alcohol is clearly in evidence and detracts somewhat from the otherwise toasty and very ripe red berry fruit and spice nose that merges into rich, full and intense flavors that display better integration of the structure and wood treatment on the noticeably warm finish. Because of the alcohol, I would not be inclined to age this for very long though it could benefit from 2 to 3 years to allow the wood to possibly better integrate.

Good full red. Smoky, wild aromas of raspberry, game and underbrush. Fat, sweet and round, with a fine-grained texture and a rich smoky character. This boasts excellent density. Finishes very long, with a light dusting of sweet tannins.

Supple, graceful and polished, with ripe plum, black cherry, smoky-toasty oak and subtle mineral and herbal scents that turn delicate and spicy, ending with a rich lift of the berry fruit and firm but integrated tannins.

The 2003 Pinot Noirs are showy wines, with the 2003 Pinot Noir Three Sisters offering a combination of white chocolate, blueberry, raspberry, a touch of smoke and earth, with good underlying, tart acidity, very seductive aromas and flavors, and a spicy, long finish. It should drink well for 7-10 years.