Anthony Buchanan 2015 Pinot Noir 750ml

Named after winemaker Anthony Buchanan’s daughter Ashlyn, this 2015 pinot noir (clone 115) is sourced from ten-year-old Sonora Pines Vineyard in Oliver. Buchanan destems but does not crush this pinot that is pre-macerated for one week and open top fermented. Post ferment and punchdown the fruit is pressed off, and settled six hours, before it's racked in French oak for 13 months. The style is Russian River rich but not out of balance. The palate is lush, the tannins soft, the fruit a mix of dark berries, some cooked, that finishes with a cover of oak and vanilla. A safe, but solid effort in a warm year. Try this with baked salmon.

Score: 88 points -- Anthony Gismondi