The 2012 Pinot Noir Gestalt Block comes from sedimentary soils over young intrusion basalt. It was picked October 10 and aged for 13 months in French oak, 27% new. It has a broody bouquet, a little denser than the Basalt Block: blackberry and briary first, then a touch of violet coming through. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of burnt toast infusing the black fruit on the entry. Very harmonious, reserved in style with a masculine, reserved finish, this is another refined Pinot Noir from Brittan Vineyards to enjoy over the next 6-7 years.