2013 Flywheel, Pinot Noir, Brosseau Vineyard, Chalone, Monterey County.
Scott Shapley’s Flywheel label is a wine to search out, only tiny amounts of wine crafted from the Chalone appellation make this exciting new offering a tough get, but Roar’s winemaker has made a great set of 2013 wines that you should find, especially this fantastic Pinot Noir and his Chardonnay, though both the Grenache and Mourvedre (My fav of his Rhone style wines, made from only two rows of vines!) are interesting wines as well. These hand made bottlings only add up to about 250 cases, that’s really only 12 barrels in total, and if I heard correctly the Pinot was only 3 or 4 barrels, so these are rare indeed, but oh so good! The 2013 Pinot Noir shows an inner energy and drive that is fascinating, but it’s amazing perfume and striking mineral and chalky/stone tones set it apart, it starts with dusty dry river rocks, crushed violets and rose petals, tangy red currant and baking spices before forming a medium weight palate of black cherry, wild plum and raspberry along with subtle forest floor, ceps, tea spice, soft vanilla and saline. There is a touch of tannin and vibrancy from nicely polished acidity that give a sense of firmness and structure, though the mouth feel is excellent, graceful and lingers with silky sex appeal, this is lovely Pinot Noir from a talented guy, be sure to look for these wines as well as the fabulous wines he does at Roar. The Flywheel Brosseau Vineyard Pinot is drinking well right now, though I suspect considering it’s terroir, quality and style, it should be able to cellar 5 to 10 years with ease, this is an impressive new effort with focus, detail and finesse, there’s lots to admire here!
($38 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
