The 2012 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard was picked October 9-18 at around 24.8 Brix and aged in 31% new French oak for ten months. Ron Penner-Ash explained that it usually produces darker fruit vis-a-vis other vineyards, and therefore the barrels often undergo slightly more toasting. That certainly comes through on the nose, whereby the fruit expression is slightly smothered by that oak profile. The palate is medium-bodied with "furry" tannin, broody black fruit with a slightly brusque finish that needs a little more finesse and precision.