The exciting 1997 Pinot Noir Alder Springs is a breakthrough Pinot Noir for Mendocino. Sadly, there are only two barrels (about 46 cases). The wine boasts a saturated dark ruby/purple color, and a knock-out nose of smoky, toasty oak intermixed with brandied cherries, mocha, and black raspberries. Rich, concentrated, and full-bodied, this is a hedonistic, decadently rich Pinot Noir to consume over the next 5-6 years. It was bottled unfiltered.Patz and Hall's Pinot Noirs may not quite reach the thrilling level attained by their Chardonnays, but this estate is gaining ground with each new vintage. All of the wines reviewed in this segment are bottled with no filtration, and most without fining, although some fining agents are added to the Russian River and Alder Springs Pinots.This high quality producer owns no vineyards, but is obviously exploiting some of the finest sources for fruit on California's North Coast. The bevy of Pinot Noirs offered by Patz and Hall will quickly place this winery among the upper hierarchy of California Pinot producers.Release date 9/99.Tel. (707) 963-4142; Fax (707) 963-9713