This is my third vintage of Pinot Noir from Silver Pines and the vineyard's distinct character is consistent once again. The 2011 vintage has even more structure and power than the two previous vintages so it received an additional 5 months of barrel aging prior to bottling. It displays blackberry and cherry aromas with a unique spicy, smoky character. After a year of bottle aging, the wine is drinking wonderfully and will continue to gain complexity and remain youthful for years to come. The 2011 blend is roughly half Pommard, which gives the berry aroma and dense fruit, and half UCD 23 which adds the spice, tannin backbone and beautiful dark color.