2012 Del Dotto Pinot Noir Cinghiale Vineyard

As for the 2012 Pinot Noir Cinghiale Vineyard, this wine reflects the much riper vintage in its lofty 14.8% natural alcohol. The color is very deep ruby, and the wine slightly tighter and obviously less evolved than its three predecessors, with notes of sassafras and black cherry galore along with some raspberry and plum. It is full-bodied and relatively opulent, but then shuts down in the finish with some light tannin. This has plenty of potential and is accessible, but nevertheless, the best seems to be one to two years away. Some forest floor makes an appearance that gives rise to comparisons with top wines from Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.