2012 Failla Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard

(14.1% alcohol): Bright, dark red. Raspberry, cherry, rose petal and warm spices on the reticent nose. Broad and silky on entry, then tighter and quite intense in the middle, with raspberry and spice flavors enlivened by peppery herbs. Best today on the long, firm finish, which features suave tannins and terrific perfumed lift. Very impressive pinot. (Incidentally, the 2012 Vivien pinot, representing one barrel each from Hirsch, Estate, Occidental and Peay vineyards, showed outstanding potential in March as well, showing superb sappy intensity and a light touch to its complex red fruit, spice and soil flavors. It was scheduled to have been bottled in April.)

Striking inner perfume and pure nuance are the signatures of the 2012 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge. A textured, layered Pinot, the Occidental Ridge is graced with sweet red cherries, mint, flowers, tobacco and hard candy, all in a lifted, gracious style with considerable appeal. This pretty, mid-weight Pinot is likely to provide its best drinking sooner rather than later.

A brilliant effort is the 2012 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge, which exhibits notes of cola, roasted herbs, jus de viande, and broad, savory, medium-bodied flavors that recall raspberries, black cherries and loamy soils. This dark ruby/plum-colored Pinot possesses abundant concentration, but is soft enough to be drunk now or cellared for another 7-8 years. This is the personal project of Ehren Jordan, who was the long-time apprentice at Turley Cellars. These are all elegant, cool climate, finesse-styled wines that were obviously influenced by European rather than New World models. Jordan owns estate vineyards in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA and purchased fruit from some of the top growers in that region. Tel. (707) 963-0530