2010 Amelle, Pinot Noir “La Cruz Vineyard” Sonoma Coast.
This vibrant and bright flavored Pinot is just starting to fill out and there is more potential to become an even more complete wine, though it is charming and nice now. Sourced from Keller estate’s La Cruz site, high on a ridge top near Petaluma, this Pinot Noir shows cool climate characteristics, but is still has nice ripe round flavors. The nose is tangy shy still with hints of currants, pepper, roses and earth leading to a tense palate of cherry, plum and cranberry fruits, plus hints of candied citrus, truffle, light wood notes and anise. There is a core of silky red fruits that stays throughout and the crisp tight finish softens with air and allows a long aftertaste of kirsch and dried flowers. This needs a bit more time to come together, but it looks set to be a very fine Pinot, best to enjoy between 2013-2015.
($35 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
