2008 Relic Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Healthy dark red. Sappy black raspberry aroma lifted by violet. Sweet, lush and ripe if not especially complex, with red fruit and spice flavors joined by a hint of minerality. Very pinot, and very pliant. Hirby noted that 40% of the fruit was dropped very late in the growing season. This wine will be called Avion Vineyard with the 2009 release. (Incidentally, Hirby made no 2008 pinot noir or syrah from Alder Springs Vineyard, as that area of Mendocino County was affected by smoke.