2011 Thomas Pinot Noir Dundee Hills

Vivid red. Smoky, mineral-laced aromas of redcurrant, cherry pit, succulent flowers and orange pith. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering intense red and dark berry and floral pastille flavors sharpened by zesty acidity. Packs a serious punch and comes off as energetic and lithe, with slowly building tannins giving shape to a long finish tinged with flowers and earth. Here’s an example of a 2011 that offers the vivacity that fans of the vintage love but none of the greenness that plagues many ‘11s It's little wonder that so many Burgundy aficionados, this writer included, count this small producer as one of their favorite New World sources for Pinot Noir. (JR)