Dark and more closed

A notably ripe and densely fruited nose flashes notes of both red and black cherry liqueurlike aromas that display additional breadth in the form of plum and spice nuances

This is also quite restrained but a bit less structured

The nose of this nascent beauty was locked up tight for the first few minutes

Alta Mesa vineyard (Santa Barbara County)

Mountford, Gradient Pinot Noir Brut Zero Dark and more closedMedium deep ruby colored, the 2009 The Gradient Pinot Noir envelops a core of red cherries and red currant aromas with notes of stems, dried Mediterranean herbs, damp loam and mossy tree bark. Medium to full bodied, it is a bit lean on the palate, with low to medium levels of chewy slightly astringent tannins, medium acidity and a long finish. Consider drinking it now to 2015.