KENWOOD RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2O12 PINOT NOIR AND SONOMA COUNTY 2O11 MERLOT

KENWOOD RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 2O12 PINOT NOIR AND SONOMA COUNTY 2O11 MERLOT – A portion of this Pinot Noir underwent whole-berry fermentation to enhance fresh fruit character, and the young wine was aged in small French oak barrels for 1O months.  Blueberry and raspberry aromas are accented by notes of lavender and nutmeg, backed by nutmeg complexity.  Smooth mouthfeel contrasts with a hint of tannin.  Suggested retail is $16

A richer, fuller wine, the Merlot was aged in small French and American oak barrel for 2O months both to gain complementary complexity and to develop additional smoothness.  Aromas of boysenberry, thyme and cocoa dominates the medium-bodied flavors, with a bit of bittersweet chocolate.  Suggested retail is $14.  Available from Horizon Beverage Company.