Rhys Anderson Valley Pinot Noir (75cl, 13.8%)

A 100% Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley AVA, California, bottled at approximately 13.8% ABV in a 750ml bottle. It is hand-harvested, fermented with native yeasts and foot-trodden twice daily during fermentation, then aged for 18 months in French oak barrels with only 10% new wood. The nose opens with crushed flowers and bright red-toned fruit, then forest floor, dried leaves and a faint whisper of woodsmoke, with persistent earthiness, rose petal and cinnamon. The palate is vivid with black cherry and pomegranate, with juicy tension, then raw cocoa, black tea, fall baking spices and soil tones. It is medium-bodied with silky tannins framing the fruit. The finish is moderately long, with black raspberry, singed herbs and a subtle cedar accent, kept lively by blood orange acidity.