2011 Red Car Pinot Noir Zephyr Farms
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Tasting notes
Ruby-red. Spicy redcurrant and raspberry scents are complemented by sexy Asian spice and mineral nuances and a hint of blood orange. Shows very good focus and cut on the palate, offering intense red fruit and spice cake flavors and building sweetness. Taut and energetic on the finish, which is firmed by dusty, smoothly integrated tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Red Car's The 2011 Pinot Noir Zephyr Farms Vineyard is deep, dense and powerful. Far from an easygoing 2011, the Zephyr Farms boasts beautiful intensity. An array of dark red/black fruit, smoke, crushed rocks, violets, spices, menthol and game hits the palate. The 2011 could use another few months for the tannins to soften a bit, but the style is very much built on focus, energy and tension. A note of white pepper adds brightness on the close.
The 2011 Pinot Noir Zephyr Farms Vineyard (a coastal site with Goldridge soils) was made from Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777. Abundant cherry fruit intermixed with a hint of plums and good acidity are found in this 2011, but not the nuances or complexity of the Estate cuvee. Overall, it is a one-dimensional, foursquare effort but I do like the weight and fruit. However, it has yet to display a great deal of complexity. Drink it over the next several years. Tel. (707) 829-8500