94 Points - PinotFile, March 2014
Tasting Notes
The 2012 Cosa Obra Sonoma County Pinot Noir is sourced from vineyards located in the Russian River Valley and Bennett Valley regions. Loaded with aromas of dark cherry and plum, the palate reveals a complex, medium-bodied wine with layers of Bing cherry and tobacco, finishing with delightful notes of cranberry and spice.
Vintage
Mother Nature smiled upon the California wine harvest this year with a bountiful crop of amazing quality. Great vintage. The yields were up by 20 percent. A warmer growing season made for an even ripening, no big heat spikes, rain or cold weather made berries develop intense varietal flavors. We experienced deeper colors and softer tannins than in previous vintages.
Vineyards
Our fruit was sourced from many of the best blocks of Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley and Bennett Valley. Yields were maintained at lower levels for increased quality, ranging from 2.5 to 4 tons/acre.
Winemaking
Grapes were picked in the darkness of the early morning hours, and immediately subjected to rigorous hand sorting and refinement process. The whole berries were gently delivered to tank. Cold soaks lasted five to seven days, and fermentations were managed via a combination of delestage and pumpovers. Extended maceration ranging from three to four weeks fine-tuned our tannin profiles, allowing us to perfect mouth feel and wine complexity. The wine was aged 12 months in 100% French oak, 25% of which was new.
Analysis
Appellation: Sonoma County
Vineyards: Russian River Valley & Bennett Valley
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Aging: 12 Months in 100% French Oak, 25% New
pH: 3.7
TA: 5.3 g/L
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 294 cases
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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