2012 Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
Brilliant ruby. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of red and dark berry liqueur, cherry-cola and vanilla, with smoky mineral and incense scents building in the glass. Oaky to be sure, but the wine's seriously deep, sweet black raspberry, cherry compote and floral pastille qualities seem up to the lumber. Plush and seamless in texture, finishing with excellent thrust and length and smooth tannins that fold into the wine's lush fruit. Fans of decadent Pinot needn't look any farther.
Critic scores
Josh Raynolds
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
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The 2012 Pinot Noir Evenstad Reserve was picked from late summer after one of the driest on record. There was better heat accumulation, according to Erik Kramer, but he does not regard it has a hot vintage. It was a low yield at around 1.7 and 1.8 tons per acre, partly due to a preflowering cluster removal. The skin-to-pulp ratio was very high and it was raised in 65% new oak over 16 months. It has a deep garnet color. The bouquet is in stark contrast with strawberry pastille and raspberry coulis, hints of iodine developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe red berry fruit interlaced with sea salt and white pepper. There is an undercurrent of gaminess to this 2012 that lends intrigue toward the finish that gently grips the mouth. Not as opulent as other 2012 Pinot Noirs that I have tasted, but clearly very well crafted by winemaker Erik Kramer and with a prosperous future ahead.