Shop

2017
Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley

What began as an early warm vintage abruptly changed direction with a record setting heat wave over the Labor Day weekend. Normally this causes sugars to jump; strangely the vines shut down, and sugar accumulation ceased for two weeks. This extended hang time allowed acids to soften, and despite our concerns, eventually sugars began to rise. This wine is a blend of three vineyards- Handley Estate Vineyard (52%), RSM Estate Vineyard (24%), and Helluva Vineyard (24%). Aromas of cola, violets, and clove. Flavors of red cherries, cranberries, hibiscus, and root beer, with hints of cinnamon and cardamom. Aged for 10 months in all French Oak barrels (25 % new). This wine stored under perfect conditions in the winery is still in its prime and still shows bright and clean red fruit flavor, with spicy wood notes and sweet molasses characters. This wine could be comfortably cellared for another 5 years but we recommend enjoying now through 2026.

Wine Enthusiast - 92 points
Cases Produced 1977.
Alcohol: 13.4%
Titratable Acidity 5.6 g/L
pH 3.78