Nose
The 2016 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir bounds from the glass with plush aromatics of Morello cherry, mulberry, baking spice, and red clay.
Palate
The fine, alluring texture gives way to focused flavors of boysenberry, bergamot, and iron which continue to evolve throughout the lengthy finish.
Growing Conditions
Relative to the preceding three years, the 2016 growing season was notably cooler, with lower than average daytime highs and colder nights. Though harvest commenced a week earlier than typical, the weather remained stable throughout the ripening phase with no significant heat spikes. The result was balanced fruit of optimal quality and a short harvest period, concluding within a two to three-week timeline. Vineyards: Katherine Lindsay Estate, Schell Ranch Estate, Roger Wishard Estate, Goldrock Estate, Dona Margarita Clonal selection: 828, 777, 115, 667, Calera, Pom, 114, Mt. Eden, Swan, Beba, ch-96/97
Harvest
Hand-harvested at night, sheers only.
Bottling
Bottled unfined and unfiltered; January, 2018.
Winemaking
9% whole cluster inclusion Fermented in small, open-top stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts 5-day cold soak, 14 day maceration Gentle punchdowns Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel
Aging
Aged 10 months in French oak barrels; 45% new Coopers: Cadus, Damy, Francois Frères, Gauthier, Louis Latour, Remond, Leroi
Appearance
Displays a deep crimson hue.
Food Pairing
Delightful with wild mushroom tartine, roast quail, or rosemary-rubbed leg of lamb. Serve at 50°-55° F.