2013 Pucalan Arenaria Pinot Noir

(fermented in concrete vats and then aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels; pH 3.27) Vivid ruby-red. Heady aromas of fresh red and dark berries are complemented by suggestions of Asian spices, cola and woodsmoke. Supple and broad on entry and then tighter in the midpalate, offering energetic black raspberry, cherry-vanilla and rose pastille flavors and a touch of star anise. Finishes gently tannic and sweet, displaying excellent persistence and a lingering red berry quality.

The 2013 Pucalan Arenaria Pinot Noir feels much fresher and vibrant than the 2012, with terse red fruit, subtle spices and some raspberry leaf notes. These Clos des Fous reds do not show oak at all and yet they are aged for two years in brand new oak barrels. Something unusual and remarkable is that they make the barrels themselves -- Feançois Massoc was a tonnelier before -- and they make them to measure for each wine. This has a superb balance in the palate, vibrant with acidity and fine, chalky tannins that make it very tasty and long. The aftertaste is eternal. Fresh and powerful, yet light and super mineral. Bravo! Unfortunately, the second bottle used for a comparative blind tasting felt mildly corked and didn't feel right. This is only the second vintage for this wine and the plants are still young. I can only imagine where this can go in the future as the vineyard matures... Stay tuned! 3,600 bottles produced.