1999 Vision Cellars Pinot Noir

[dananne]

Very dark color, looking more like a syrah. Nose of tart cherry and some tobacco. Flavors follow nose, with the cherry fruit somewhat restrained, and the tobacco, cocoa, and coffee bean elements coming to the front. I'd have liked a bit more exhuberant fruit, but this was very textured and interesting. Anne commented on the almost creamy mouthfeel. 13.5% alc. 75% Sonoma County fruit with 25% coming from Marin County. Paid $43, which is a bit steep. Still, I enjoyed it. FWIW, an African-American winery (son of an E. TX moonshiner went to Cali and started a winery). Also FWIW, WS gave this an 85, and WE reviewed the latest release this month and gave it a 90. You won't miss it on the shelves -- wonderful African mask label.