2011 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Meredith Estate Russian River Valley

(14.4% alcohol): Saturated red with ruby highlights. Sexy, ripe aromas of black raspberry, mocha, molasses and pepper, plus hints of black olive and game that reminded me of syrah. Intensely flavored, fat and plush, with earth and woodsmoke flavors accented by pepper and spices from the whole-cluster fermentation. This distinctly soil-driven pinot boasts excellent texture and held up nicely in the recorked bottle.