2017 RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PINOT NOIR

VINTAGE NOTES

The 2017 growing season delivered a commendable performance. Mother Nature began by pouring on early rains. This was a welcomed respite after the drought, but slightly pushed out the growing season. As the rainfall subsided, the season progressed evenly. Bud break, flowering and veraison all took place without concern as clusters ripened on the vine. A few heat spikes in early September led to quick ripening and a bit of a rush through harvest due to the heat. Harvest happened at a good and even pace. We picked early in multiple small passes to create as many individual lots as possible. Due to the heat spikes, the crew worked swiftly, gathering fruit from all our vineyards. The yields and lots were small and intense, which we then blended together to unlock the final nuanced composition of this exquisite wine.

TASTING NOTES

Aromatics: Freshly picked raspberries, wild strawberries, touches of bright cherry, crunchy red fruits and baking spice. A hint of nutmeg and star anise combined with notes of all spice and a sprinkle of morning rain.

Flavors: Ripe plum, pomegranate and rhubarb-strawberry pie …unbaked with some “razzle- dazzle”. A slight hint of earthy tones and fresh forest floor, softened with a pretty ocean breeze.

Mouthfeel: Clean lines, with minerality down the center, rests nicely and persists throughout, surrounded by crunchy fruits and elegant, yet firm tannins.

TECHNICAL DATA

Harvest Dates: 9/12/13 till 10/11/13
Clones: 23, 37, 115, Calera, CC, Elite, Pommard
Alcohol: 14.5%    pH: 3.66    Acidity: 5.7
Production: 975 cases    Yield per acre: 1.2 tons