Smoke Tree Pinot Noir (75cl, 13.5%)

A 100% Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California, made by Smoke Tree Wines under Moët Hennessy and shaped by winemaker Joel Burt. It draws on eleven vineyard partners and up to five clones, with fruit from mature vines averaging 20 years old. Fermentation uses open-top fermenters with 10% whole clusters and predominantly native yeast, followed by 12 months in French oak with 15% new oak. Red plum and raspberry lead the nose, with black cherry, Santa Rosa plum, forest floor, licorice and a hint of smoke. The palate is juicy with dark cherry and plum, mid-palate cola and allspice, a silky texture, strawberry and faint rusticity, with vanilla from the oak. The finish is clean and moderate, with lingering cherry and a touch of leather.