2017 RSM Vineyard Pinot Noir - Handley Cellars

Tart dark cherry, black tea leaf, crushed pomegranate. Wild black raspberry, ocean fog, blood orange. Remarkably layered and lively eruptions of cranberry compote, earthy strawberry, and huckleberry lead an impressively deep yet delicate display littered with intriguing organic hints of forest floor, chanterelle mushroom, and dried pine needle. Notes of thyme, coriander, cinnamon, and caraway seed emerge to advance non-fruit complexity via alluring spiced and herbal charms that are perfectly juxtaposed against highly aromatic sweet floral tones of blooming rose, hydrangea, and lavender. Gentle suggestions of dried seaweed and saline minerality pleasantly reveal clean coastal influences as mild wafts of smoldering tobacco provide just a pinch of smoky delight. Gorgeously expressive and ethereal on the nose while managing to remain strikingly elegant and restrained yet still nicely rugged on the palate; exhibiting a pretty yet tense and structured presentation that comes across as beautifully contemplative and cerebral. Medium bodied with pronounced tannin cut by bright acidity. This 2017 RSM Vineyard Pinot Noir by Handley Cellars is a spectacularly serious red from the Anderson Valley.

Located in rural Mendocino County where coastal redwoods and thick ocean fog rule the landscape, the Anderson Valley is one of California's coldest winegrowing zones and has become absolutely legendary for producing some of the state's very best Pinot Noir. This bottling, crafted by Handley Cellars using Pinot Noir sourced from their estate RSM Vineyard in the Anderson Valley, is an outstanding example of the incredible complexity and balance that Pinot from this region can achieve. This wine leaps from the glass with interesting dark and red fruit-driven aromatics enhanced by clean forest tones, perfumed florals, dried herbs and spices, and unmistakable coastal terroir. Although drinking well at this stage this wine is still nowhere near its peak, as it should continue to improve in bottle for at least another 7-10 years. Fantastic.