The 2011 Pinot Noir Rancho La Vina Vineyard comes from more clay soils and north-facing slopes. Fermented with 50% whole cluster, it possesses a dark, dense personality with ripe blackberry, earth, underbrush and mineral notes flowing to a deep, masculine feel on the palate. A big, structured wine, it could use another year or two in the cellar and will evolve for 10-12 years or more. Drink 2015-2023.
This is a great lineup by Chad Melville. Neutral oak, no SO2 until racking, varying degrees of whole cluster, native yeasts and a very cold cellar are the name of the game here and these are have individual, unique profiles. They also remain reasonably priced given the quality. These are all impressive wines and well worth checking out!
Tel. (805) 331-2292; www.samsarawine.com