Crisp but decadent, big smoky fruit roiled with peat and herb. Brilliantly acidic, the sharp points prodding the ridiculous black cherry and cran-apple along with absolute focus. Firm tannins scream out–going almost hot–forcefully drowned by a concentration of sultry berry second-to-none. Green stemmy shards of brilliance poke out in all directions, making a teeth-wiping stew of the pencil-lead and musty hay barnyard. Light ruby at a glance–deep garnet in the light–everything adds up to a calm, forthright offering of the Russian River Valley.

A label probably not many have seen, but the pinot and cab offerings from these people are something definitely worthy of seeking out. Such a great glass of wine. Classic in all directions, never jammy or slutty but assuredly not prudish, I love my pinot clean (OK not too clean) and tannic and this is it.

2017 ANCIENT OAK CELLARS Pinot Noir Siebert Ranch RRV Sonoma Co. 14.4

https://www.ao.wine/