Talisman Wine, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Starscape Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019 ($68)

Working with vineyards in Sonoma, Mendocino and Napa, Talisman has carved out a niche for itself as a single vineyard Pinot Noir specialist. When Russian River was making news with its Pinot Noir back in the 1980s, Starscape was known as Mark West Vineyard. In 2019, the winery harvested Pinot from 3 clones planted in 1997 and co-fermented them with native yeasts. The wine was aged for 19 months in French oak, 57% new. From its medium color to its youthful tannins, this comes across as more French than California blockbuster in style. Once poured, cranberry and plum along with some oak spice emerge with some airing, and the flavors continue that but take on an earthy, leafy flavors. The pieces are there and it only needs time to showcase its subtle charm. Best in 3 to 4 years.
91 Norm Roby