Fruity, with fresh red cherries and red raspberries the nose on the Red Tail Ridge 2011 “RTR Vineyard” Pinot Noir ($20) also shows hints of earthy mushrooms, lavender/lilac and subtle brown spice. It’s a pretty, subtly complex nose.

Light bodied, soft and a bit dilute on the mid-palate, the palate doesn’t quite live up to the nose. Red fruits again dominate flavor-wise — cherry, cranberry — with savory, woodsy spice and earthiness.

Producer: Red Tail Ridge Winery
AVA: Finger Lakes
Clone(s): Swan, 113, 114, 115 and 23
Harvest Date(s): September 18 and 25
Yields: 2.5 tons/acre
ABV: 12%
TA: 5.3 g/L
pH: 3.62
Production: 689 cases
Price: $20*

2011, featured, pinot noir, red tail ridge, Review