2013 Cristom Pinot Noir

The 2013 Mt Jefferson Cuvee Pinot Noir, which sees around 15-20% new wood, has a bright redcurrant and wild strawberry scented bouquet, touches of mint and fennel in the background. There is a lot going on here. The palate is sharp on the entry with brisk tannin, a little darker in fruit than the 2012 last year, but with satisfying structure on what you might call a "solid" finish. This is a well-priced Pinot Noir that will probably repay a couple of years in bottle, though you can see the restaurant trade lapping this up (as usual).