Reviews & Ratings

2013 Handley Cellars Pinot Noir "RSM Vineyard"

Winery: Handley Cellars

Vintage: 2013

Wine Name/Vineyard: "RSM Vineyard"

Wine Category: Pinot Noir

Grape blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Anderson Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $52

Cases produced: 445

KWG Score: 91 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: October 13, 2016

Wine Review: This ruby colored Pinot Noir from Handley is very good. It opens with an attractive cherry-cola and raspberry bouquet with a hint of cinnamon. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, slightly acidic and rich for a Pinot. The flavor profile is black raspberry and oak with notes of nicely integrated cherry-cola. I also detected strawberry licorice and a hint of minerality and black pepper. The finish is dry and its flavors and acidity linger for a little while. I would pair this Pinot with chicken cacciatore. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The fruit for this wine comes from RSM vineyard located high above the valley floor. This vineyard sheltered from northern ocean breezes is planted with a mix of Dijon clones 115 and 667 and Pommard clone. The vines struggle in the thin nutrient poor soils resulting in limited yields of small clusters of small and variable berry size. The high skin to juice ratio of the mountain fruit provides intense aromas of ripe black cherries, briary fruit, baking spices, and mushroom earthy notes. It shows intense and persistent flavors of blueberry and huckleberry pie, root beer, soy and salty seaweed and has a velvety finish complimented by ripe chalky tannins.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Handley 2013 RSM Vineyard Pinot Noir.