2021 Amber Block Pinot Noir

The Vintage     In a year best described as a “cold start to a warm, fast finish,” the harvest was a little early, with grape yields slightly lighter to average (due to a variety of water conservation efforts), yet the 2021 crop will be viewed as an excellent vintage. Our vines produced pristine grapes, with excellent natural acidity, wonderful balance, and pure varietal flavors.  We harvested our 2021 Amber Block Pinot Noir on August 21th at 23.8⁰ Brix.

Winemaking    This wine was fermented as 33% whole clusters (the Pommard portion), with the balance being destemmed whole berries. The fruit was hand sorted and then transferred to stainless steel open-top fermenters. Indigenous yeasts performed the fermentation and gentle punch downs were carried out during the 17-day-long maceration period. The grapes were then pressed with a traditional oak stave manual basket press. Most of the free-run wine went into large-format French oak puncheons. The balance, including the press fraction, went to one and two-year-old French oak Burgundy barrels.  The wine was aged for a total of 16 months before being bottled un-filtered and un-fined.

The Wine        Lush and inviting, this beautiful wine captures the essence of what makes Russian River Valley Pinot Noir so delicious. Enticing aromas of fresh strawberry and rhubarb emanate from the glass, followed by hints of vanilla and cola. The palate is rich and lush with delightful red berry flavors, followed by notes of flowers and savory spice that glide to a long resonant finish.

Technical  Notes

Alcohol:     14.1%             

pH:             3.58                

Total Acidity:     5.8 g/l 

Production:       190 cases

Release Date:     Fall 2023

Bottled:              February 2023

Suggested Retail:  $62.00