August West Wines 2012 Graham Family Vineyard, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

With an intriguing nose of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir spice, blackberries, toast and mint, the 2012 Graham Family Vineyard Pinot Noir opens up beautifully on the palate.  It has a rich, soft texture, filled with fruit, while the balancing acidity and ripe tannins come into play during the finish. 

• 94 points, Connoisseurs' Guide (Jun. 14): "...It smells of perfectly ripened red cherries with touches of raspberry, a note of dried rose and lovely oak tossed in for good measure, and it is, if anything, even deeper and more involving once on the palate. It is concentrated and fairly full bodied, yet it never once seems at all heavy and shows nary a hint of fat on its firm frame..."

It should be at its best between 2015 and 2023.

This wine was featured in The California Wine Club's wine of the month club.