2010 Alfaro Family Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains.
From his estate near Corralitos, Richard Alfaro handcrafts a great selection of wines, with his Pinots being some of the best, especially this wonderful bottling from his own vines. The 2010 is rich and expansive similar to Rochioli in styling with silky tannins and a long mouth-coating finish. This lavish Pinot Noir is about 13.5% alcohol, but with full ripeness and intensity making for a very showy wine in it’s young, and about 50% new French oak was used here giving quality additions in flavors with out being to much, everything in balance and folding together nicely. The nose has subtle floral tones with currant and berries along with hints of spice and mocha leading to a palate of candied cherry, plum and raspberry fruit, anise, lavender, pepper and toffee notes. Subtle cool climate acidity brightens the display without being forceful making it easy to enjoy this wine young, look for the fruit and oak to tone down with bottle age, drink now through 2018.
($35 Est.) 92+ Points, grapelive
