Nose
Particular aromas of the Royal Anne cherries from old-time Sebastopol farming.
Palate
A definite
fruit cornucopia of flavors including those cherries (thanks to the Dijon 115
clone,) blackberry preserves, brambleberry, and black plums. With a round
mouthfeel, one detects freshly cut herbs, damp earth, and even smoked
Prosciutto. The tannins are present and big, yet seamlessly integrated so
that one yearns for more.
Growing Conditions
Dutton Ranch farms more than 80 separate vineyards in the Russian River
Valley. We selected the Thomas Road Vineyard to represent a true “wine of
place” Pinot Noir. The vineyard is located in the northeastern section of the
sub-appellation of Green Valley. Planted to clone Dijon 115 in 1997, this
vineyard produces a wine displaying dark berries with a bold, firm
mouthfeel. The vines are planted on the rockier Sebastopol soil. It is a
certified Sonoma County Sustainably-Farmed and Fish-Friendly vineyard.
Bottling
Bottled: August 2017.
Winemaking
Getting up in the middle of the night to hand-harvest the grapes at our
Thomas Road Vineyard is well worth the trouble given the “big” nature of
the fruit there. Grapes are sorted by hand as soon as they arrive at the
winery and then gently destemmed. After destemming, the crushed fruit is
then placed into small open-top fermenters. The must is cold-soaked for five
days to gently focus the natural spice and fruit elements while minimizing
any harsh tannins. We opt for daily, with no more than three times, punchdowns
as fermentation progresses. The juice is then pressed and racked into
French oak barrels (45% new) so that delicate oak notes are highlighted.
Our winemaker then hand selects the few barrels he deems most provocative
to blend together to craft this Vineyard Designated wine.
Aging
10 months in French oak, 45% new.
