Handley Cellars, Mendocino (Mendocino County, California) Pinot Noir 2009

 Half of the fruit for this juicy Pinot came Potter Valley, an inland valley at 1,000 feet elevation, the other half came from the “warmer end” of the Anderson Valley, near Boonville.  Aged for 10 months in French oak, it has a light-medium ruby color, expressive nose with violets and cherry-berry notes.  The medium flavors black cherry, cola and mocha notes, supported by 14.2% alcohol and light tannins.  The wine finishes with a slight bitterness.