2009 Pinot Noir Elk Prairie Vineyard Humboldt County

The 2009 Elk Prairie Pinot Noir shows bright clarity and medium intensity in appearance with a garnet to ruby color.  The nose is youthful, but developing, with medium intensity and showing aromas of juicy red fruits like cranberries, cherries and raspberries.  Notes of fresh earth and a delicate floral perfume along with sweet spices like cinnamon, clove and vanilla add complexity.  The palate delivers medium acidity and tannin with medium to medium plus flavor intensity, body and length.  With a few hours of breathing, an additional strawberry component adds to the palate.  The tannins are well-integrated and fine-grained and the fruit, juicy and well-defined.  This is a refreshing, expressive, well-defined and structured gem with a supple viscosity and a creamy texture!