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

 Few red wines get the cellar treatment like Pinot Noir.  For this luscious Pinot crushed clusters were combined with 40% whole berry retention, followed by fermentation using six different yeasts, resting and settling for three days before racking to French oak barrels, 23% new, for aging 10 months.  The result of all this hands-on cellaring is a Pinot with a vibrant medium ruby color, deep aroma of black cherry, spice and citrus peel that follow over to the silky flavors.  There is a hint of spice and mocha, 14.2% alcohol and smooth medium finish with nicely integrated tannins.