The Wine
2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2021 vintage brought us dry conditions and cooler temperatures, shaping the viticultural landscape with distinct influences in the regions from which we source. Spring's warmth ushered in a season of healthy vine growth, setting the stage for beautiful vine development. The weather was on our side with a temperate climate, nurturing a gradual ripening process that brought to life impressive and intricate flavors. One notable aspect was the presence of non-lignified stems, leading to a reduction in the use of whole cluster fermentation overall. The interplay of a slow ripening process, moderate temperatures, and early rainstorms contributed to unique characteristics that bring to life the nuanced wine you have before you.
Tasting Notes
Aromatics: Decadent aromas of dark chocolate ganache complemented with strawberry rhubarb compote and whispering notes of cigar box and fresh cedar.
Flavors: Cascading layers of luscious dark cherry, fresh raspberries, and cranberry wrapped with soft notes of hibiscus tea, fresh earth, and warm cinnamon spice.
Mouthfeel: An opulent and silky mouthfeel leads to an energetic mid-palate with bright acidity and elegant tannin structure. Remarkably expressive and commanding, this vintage leaves us with a resonating and mouth-watering finale.
Technical Data
Harvest Dates: 9/13/21 to 10/22/21
Aging: 15 months, 45% new French oak, 6% Wood Tank, 7% Whole Cluster
Clones: 23, 37, 115, 667, 777, 828, 943, Calera, Pommard, Swan
Alcohol: 14.5% pH: 3.64
Production: 2438 cases
Previous Vintages
OUR BACK LABELS CHANGE EVERY YEAR, TO REPRESENT THE UNIQUE GROWING SEASON FROM WHICH THEY WERE CRAFTED AND BRING TO LIFE A UNIQUE TURN OF THE CENTURY CIRCUS MOTIF THAT PAYS HOMAGE TO MY FAMILY’S ROOTS.
2019 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
The 2019 growing season was a powerful expression of Mother Nature’s ever-changing force. Record-breaking winter rainfall was followed by a moderate spring with cool temperatures. This resulted in a later bud break and idyllic summer ripening.Harvest had concluded and our lots were resting safely in tank when a historic wildfire swept through Sonoma County in late October
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2018 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
The 2018 growing season was special as it commemorates our first vintage from CIRQ’s new home in the heart of the Russian River Valley. It was an ideal growing season in many ways, with beautiful growing conditions. Spring was cooler than recent vintages which led to a longer bloom with consistently good fruit set and generous yields
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2017 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
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
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2016 Treehouse Pinot Noir
This late-season mellow gave us extended time between picks during harvest. That, in turn, translated into heightened flavor development and greater depth in the wines
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2016 Bootlegger’s Hill Pinot Noir
Harvest pace was good and even, and we picked in multiple small passes to unlock the purity of the fruit. This strategy enabled us to create numerous individual lots, that we later blended together to make the complex and nuanced wines you have before you
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2015 Treehouse Pinot Noir
As the long, arid summer progressed, it was clear the vines were exhausted from pushing through years of drought. Yields further decreased to 40-50% of the average
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2015 Bootlegger’s Hill Pinot Noir
Harvest pace was good and even, and we picked in multiple small passes to unlock the purity of the fruit. This strategy enabled us to create numerous individual lots, that we later blended together to make the complex and nuanced wines you have before you
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2014 Treehouse Pinot Noir
After a show-stopping 2013 vintage, the 2014 growing season provided a resounding encore. Black raspberry and deep dark fruit that goes on and on
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2014 Bootlegger‘s Hill Pinot Noir
From the western reaches and foggy hills of the Russian River Valley. A summer pudding of crunchy fresh berries with immersive mouthfeel
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2013 Treehouse Pinot Noir
A terrific growing season with intensity and beauty galore. Dark fruit flavors and epic mouthfeel are the hallmarks of the vintage
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2013 Bootlegger‘s Hill Pinot Noir
The inaugural vintage of the eagerly anticipated Bootlegger’s. Red fruits and spice. Densely structured yet elegant and pretty. Tiny production
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2012 Treehouse Pinot Noir
A terrific growing season with intensity and beauty galore. Dark fruit flavors and epic mouthfeel are the hallmarks of the vintage
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2011 Treehouse Pinot Noir
The inaugural release and one we wish we had more of. A challenging vintage but the wine has all the hallmarks of one we’d be happy to drink over 10+ years
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