Grapelive Wine of the Day

By Kerry Winslow

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2009 Alfaro Family Vineyards Pinot Noir “Lester Family Vineyards at Deer Park” Santa Cruz Mountains.
The Alfaro “Deer Park” Pinot is always a favorite of mine, and this latest release might be the best vintage yet of this dark and rich wine. Made from Dijon clones 777 and 667 the 2009 Deer Park is deep and lush with loads of intense blackberry, plum and chocolate cherry layers while sweet violets, lavender oil and vanilla play in the background. After some time in the glass it opens to classic tangy cherry fruit and mineral, with a touch of toasty oak. This is a robust young Pinot, but everything turns silky smooth and the tannins are super fine and the acidity keeps everything vibrant. Best to give this Pinot another year in bottle to develop, though I know there are plenty of people that will love it now. These clones give darker color and riper up front fruit, though the terroir gives nice acidy and structure, and Richard Alfaro crafts what nature gives him with very minimal intervention. This wine will really appeal to those that like Santa Lucia Highlands and Santa Rita Hills style Pinots.
($35 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive

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