Angeline Reserve Pinot Noir 2018, Mendocino County, California

2018 vintage – “Our Reserve Pinot Noir is the embodiment of all of our favorite characteristics from some of the most acclaimed Pinot Noir growing regions in the state. Floral and spicy aromatics from Mendocino County, and bright red fruit with integrated, soft tannins from the Russian River Valley and Carneros, come together to make this beautifully balanced Pinot Noir. Each contributing lot of Reserve Pinot Noir is carefully monitored in the vineyard, and then hand-picked when flavor is at its most intense. The grapes are destemmed, and moved to stainless steel fermenters where they are cold-soaked and saigneed to concentrate flavor and aromatics. On average, they spend 8-12 days fermenting at moderate temperatures before being pressed and racked to 40% new French oak barrels, where they spend 9 months. This dense, sophisticated Pinot Noir boastfully over-delivers aromas of black cherry, marion berry, and spicy cola, with subtle notes of nutmeg and cedarwood. The bold, yet resolved palate has a clean, well-balanced acidity that ties up neatly with a complementary cream and caramel finish.