The majority of fruit for this vintage was grown on our estate vineyard located on a sloping bench in the Arroyo Seco sub-appellation of Monterey. This unusually planted site was laid out to optimize the sunshine distribution on both sides of the vine, leading to even ripening of fruit clusters. High-density planting (4×3 vine spacing) also contributes to the outstanding quality of this fruit. Vines must push deeper into the soil, creating smaller clusters and berries, lower sugars at physiological maturity with exceptionally balanced pH and acid levels.What does this mean in the glass? Brooding, earthy aromas meld with juicy ripe plum, punctuated by lovely notes of black tea. The palate echoes the juicy, plum-filled nose, joined by black licorice and cocoa powder. A subtle earthiness leads to a generous, fleshy mid-palate and a smooth, mineral-laced finish.
Region Description
(pee noh nwahr)—A tricky grape to grow, Pinot Noir makes some of the best wines in the world. The prototype wine is red Burgundy from France but Oregon, California, New Zealand, and parts of Australia also produce good Pinot Noir. The wine is lighter in color than Cabernet or Merlot with relatively high alcohol, medium-to-high acidity, and medium-to-low tannin. Its flavors and aromas can be very fruity or earthy and woodsy, depending on how it is grown. It is rarely blended with other grapes.
