Next on the list of the Spell Estate Pinot Noirs was the Umino Vineyard. Dark crimson red, darker than the Nicole's Blend. Very interesting nose straight off the pop and pour. Lots of purple floral notes (dried lavender), burnt oatmeal, black tea and a slightly gamey undertone. Earthy characteristics on the palate with some mushrooms, and expresso beans. Slight hint of black cherries too. Moderate tannins (6.5/10) and moderate plus acidity (7.5/10). Definitely needs some time to mellow out and develop those additional characteristics on the nose and palate. Moderate plus body, fuller than the Nicole's Blend with a super long and drying finish.

At Spell Estate, Andrew Berge makes the single vineyard bottlings specifically so one can distinguish the different flavors, structure and texture. The Umino Vineyard is owned and farmed by Dave Umino and is located in Sebastopol, California in the Russian River Valley AVA in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Planted on this vineyard are a total of four Dijon clones of which three are used in this bottling; 777, 115 and 459. Umino Vineyard is in a prime location for growing Pinot Noir due to the cool maritime air that flows through the hills to help monitor and moderate the ripening. Aged in 100% French oak of which 50% is new. Only 128 cases produced.

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