David Paige is well into his second decade of making the wines for co-founder David Adelsheim, and this edition — the 29th of their flagship Pinot Noir — earns our highest mark for the second straight vintage. That skillful consistency is especially noteworthy considering the contrast between the growing seasons, and the balanced use of medium-toast, 31% new French oak doesn’t distract. Its charming nose leads with a spoonful of boysenberry jam, cherry juice and chocolate with fresh thyme and a dash of white pepper. Inside, it’s akin to a slice of boysenberry pie, backed by deepening flavors of black cherry and plum skin. Juicy acidity pushes the tannins into background as it finishes with Montmorency cherry and horehound.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 2,386 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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