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
Inky, plush, and cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
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