FEL Pinot Noir 2016

FEL is the Pinot and Chardonnay project of Napa Valley producer and expat Canadian Cliff Lede. This wine was aged for 16 months in 60-gallon French oak barrels, of which 38% were new. It has a pretty, layered nose that is taken up perfectly by the palate. Spicy and juicy with red fruit, vanilla and mineral tones throughout. The vanilla returns to take a tasty final bow on the finish. Soft and long with a refined complexity, this is a real beauty. A nice choice for a holiday dinner with all the fixings, or perfect with salmon or duck. (Vintages panel, April 2018)