Palate
The ‘14 is a little more restrained with a slightly greater quantity of very fine tannins, more forest floor and oolong tea and more spice to balance the exuberant fruit.
Growing Conditions
It is incredibly difficult and competitive to source Pinot Noir in the Fort Ross – Seaview AVA on the West Sonoma Coast, making us all the more excited about our now 6 year relationship with this grower, who has given us so much pleasure in, and understanding of Pinot Noir. Yet, the mystery continues to unfold. Every year is like a new chapter in an epic saga. 2014 brought many of the same characteristics as 2013: great aromatics, freshness amidst ripeness and elegant textures.
Winemaking
2014 was fermented in exactly the same way as 2013: 100% native yeast, 100% native malo-lactic with no racking until bottling, yet the vintage difference is there. Still, the site is present; the clones 115 and Old Wente providing the Yin to each other’s Yang.
