PinotFile Review of Fulcrum's 2009 Gap's Crown Pinot Noir

Rusty Gaffney is known as the Prince of Pinot.  He tastes more California Pinot Noir than anyone we know.  His online newsletter PinotFile is a trusted and comprehensive look at California and Oregon Pinot.  Here is what he had to say:

  2009 Fulcrum Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir  

14.2% alc., 154 cases, $54. Release June 16, 2011. Aged 15 months in 33% new French oak barrels and 6 months in bottle. · Moderate ruby color in the glass. This wine aims to please with aromas of dark cherries and berries, anise, and spice and similar flavors with an earthy, savory undertone. Medium weighted and moderately dense with a well-honed tannic backbone and a seductive silkiness. Much better with brighter fruit flavors the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Decant if you open now, but patience will bring more rewards. Very good (+).