2009 Failla Pinot Noir Peay Vineyard

(13.5% alcohol; 100% whole clusters): Good deep red-ruby. Wild berries, white pepper and orange peel on the nose give a syrah-like impression. Then pliant but juicy and penetrating in the mouth, with excellent intensity and energy to the cherry, bitter chocolate and sexy spice flavors. The very long finish shows suave tannins. Obviously very ripe stems here.

Author: Josh Raynolds

Issue: May/June 2011