Located in the heart of the Russian River AVA, the soils are well drained loam over a deep layer (20-30 feet) of Russian River gravel. Longtime family friend and winegrower, Bob Hopkins, planted our source block in 1989 using cuttings from the famous Swan vineyard. We have been producing Pinot Noir from the same rows since 1998. The Swan clone tends to be a lighter, more delicate iteration of the varietal and compliments our style well.
The 2018 growing season was smooth sailing with weather conditions conducive to growing high quality wine grapes. Cooler temperatures at night and no heat spikes allowed for longer hang-time on the vine, leading to wines marked by depth of flavor, greater levels of rounded tannins, balanced acidity, and moderate alcohol levels. In a nutshell, 2018 was bountiful and flavorful.
NOSE: Dusty cranberries, fresh white cherries, floral hints, slight roses wafting away, elegant spices of vanilla, cloves, tea leaves. With time, the cherries seem more dried and some minerality is uncovered. Russian River sun in a bottle.
TASTE: Rich fruit, cherries, smooth and fresh, baking spices, crème brûlée.
MOUTHFEEL: Fresh, young tannin now but extremely focused, velvety and minerally. Smooth complexity. With more air, the texture becomes more rounded and ready to drink.
FINISH: Elegance abounds, well built structure, finesse, long lasting, playful and studious? The finish has a fine mark of acidity, that makes it excellent with an array of dishes and special occasions.
Bottled August, 2019
Case Count 216
Alcohol 13.6%
pH 3.64
TA 6.1 g/L
