2009 Coastlands Vineyard Diane Cobb Pinot Noir

The 2009 Pinot Noir Diane Cobb: Coastlands Vineyard is sublime, delicate and beautifully layered from start to finish. An understated, gracious wine, the 2009 comes across as much more reticent than the other wines in the range. Because of the long elevage, the 2009 is still pretty shut down. Still, it is impossible to miss the wine’s pedigree and sheer class. With time in the glass, the fruit blossoms beautifully, but the Diane Cobb has less overt sweetness than the straight Coastlands. This is an impressive showing from Ross Cobb, who dedicated this wine to his late mother. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Although the Cobb family bought and planted Coastlands in 1989, they didn’t start making their own wines until 2001. Building on his nine years at Flowers, Ross Cobb began gradually expanding the family’s range of bottlings. These are delicate, polished Pinots that reflect the unique personality of this coastal site and all of its shades of nuance. The Pinots see about 40% new oak in the first year of aging, followed by a bit less than that in the second year. Vintage 2010 presented considerable challenges. There is no Rice-Spivak or Emmaline because of crop failure. Fortunately, both wines are back in 2011. The 2010 Pinots were bottled in July 2012. Tel. (707) 799-1073

Vivid ruby. High-pitched, heady red berry and floral aromas are complemented by star anise and mace. Zesty acidity adds lift and cut to the deep, sappy raspberry and cherry flavors, with a smoky quality emerging with air. The lively, precise finish lingers with outstanding floral persistence. (JR)