Hanzell Pinot Noir 1997

Hanzell Vineyards Pinot Noir should not be accused of being Burgundian on the palate; it is a classical Californian style from the 1960s, and built for the cellar. It is smoky, peppery, with bright black cherry, black tea and cola overtones in its youth. As the pinot noir matures it evolves impressions of chocolate, lapsong souchong and green teas, beef bouillon and sweet bing cherry. Winemaker's Comments: "A dark Pinot Noir, the 1997 is initially forward and fruity with strong notes of plum and savory dark chocolate. Further inspection reveals lots of the Hanzell terroir including leather, black cherry and black tea rounded off with lovely French oak from aging 28 months in Tonnellerie Sirugue barrels. Finally, the wine is very well structured and should age magnificently." .... Bob Sessions