Decoy, California (United States) Pinot Noir 2021

 This Pinot Noir’s attractive rosy-red color sets the mood visually, and its corresponding berry and cherry aromas and flavors are pleasurable indeed.  Tasters who regularly consume Pinot Noir from cooler countries such as France and Germany may be concerned about this California wine’s relatively high alcohol level — 14.1% compared to the 12% to 13.5% commonly found in these cooler regions.  But while the wine is notably generous both aromatically and on the palate it does not seem hot or otherwise inappropriately alcoholic.  Indeed, it is deliciously balanced, with generous ripe fruit flavors deftly balanced by bright acidity.  The wine was aged 12 months in French oak, 65% of which was neutral, 35% new.