2011 Failla Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Failla's 2011 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge is perfumed, delicate and quite pretty. Sweet floral notes meld into spices and expressive layers of fruit in a silky, understated Pinot that is all about grace. This is a terrific showing from proprietor Ehren Jordan.
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Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
350 c/s. Winemaker Ehren Jordan (ex Turley), self-taught. Right on the Pacific. 40% was fermented in open-top fermenters of neutral oak. Mid cherry. Savoury spice yet with the sweetness of oak spice and a touch of citrus. Unexpectedly light and almost dainty in the mouth. Silky, delicate texture. Quiet but very long. Clear and light in its persistence. Finishes with bright crisp sweet cherry and spice coming back on the end. (JH)
One of the more delicate wines in the range, the 2011 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge is laced with tobacco, crushed flowers and dried herbs. The 2011 comes across as a bit fragile, but it is quite beautiful. I will not be surprised if the 2011 turns out even better than this note suggests once the whole clusters are a little bit better integrated. There is a lot to like here.
(vinified with 25% whole clusters): Bright, deep red. Tangy cherry and raspberry aromas are complicated by cola and earth notes; very Sonoma Coast! Wonderfully creamy and dry on the palate, with distinct whole-cluster notes of spices and pepper giving another dimension to the pungent red fruit flavors. Finishes with substantial smooth tannins, noteworthy energy and a strong spicy character.