L'Usine 2018 Annapolis Ridge Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

Limited new release from winemaker Dave Phinney. Limited.

95+ Points Robert Parker: "This new wine from David Phinney (creator of the famous/infamous brand, The Prisoner) was aged for nine months in oak barrels, 44% new. Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the L'Usine Pinot Noir Annapolis Vineyard rolls seductively out of the glass with a gorgeous perfume of lilacs, jasmine and fallen leaves over a core of black raspberries, pomegranate and tilled soil. Full-bodied, the palate sparks off a whole array of super-concentrated red berry and floral accents, complementing the intense earthy/savory characters, finishing wonderfully perfumed. 500 cases were made.

The L'Usine 2018 Pinot Noir Annapolis Vineyard Pinot Noir exhibits darker aromatics of blueberry, raspberry, black pepper, vanilla crème and a slight funk. The entry is refined yet immense with notes of redcurrant, cherry tart and traces of spice that follow through to the mid-palate. The backbone of acidity and a lengthy finish sets up the wine to age for many years.