2010 Alysian Pinot Noir Floodgate Vineyard Rock Hill

"The Floodgate Vineyard is located in the heart of Russian River Valley’s most coveted Pinot Noir sub appellation known as the Middle Reach. It is here where the region’s most prestigious vineyards reside, and where the most highly acclaimed producers source their fruit. The "Rock Hill" (Block 16) is a tiny block planted in 2000 on one of the rockiest knolls on the property. Though vigor is low in these difficult soils, winemaker Gary Farrell feels this could be one of the finest locations within Floodgate Vineyard for the cultivation of exceptional Pinot Noir wines." alysianwines.com

On the nose this wine is extremely expressive, boasting generous aromas of black cherry, raspberry, Asian spices, hints of sandalwood, and pomegranate. The wine also develops nicely in the glass shedding additional nuances of other ripe and exotic red fruits. (currant, cranberry, strawberry cream) I poured the wine into my large Burgundy crystal stem and now my whole room is exploding with beautiful fruit aromas!!

On the palate the wine is gracefully balanced, showing flavors of tart black cherry, currant, red raspberry cream pie, brown spice, and very subtle hints of oak. The 2010 vintage is showing amazing purity of fruit and a seductive, rounded-out texture. Hard to believe....but upon release I think this wine is showing even better promise than the 2009 Floodgate Vineyard did when it was first release. Amazing stuff and major kudos to Gary and his team! 94+ points