Palate
Muscular layers of black cherry liquer, fine dark chocolate, graphite, saddle leather and pink peppercorn with alluring scents of rose oil, fresh sage, crushed rock focused with a dense and generous palate of pomegranate, raspberry and plum with fine tannins fanning into a lingering finish.
The wine is terrific, rich, full-bodied and could easily pass for a Premier Cru Pommard with its notes of apple skin, pomegranate, black cherries and blackberry. There is some earth, spice, cove and plum as well. This is a big, complex, muscular style of Pinot Noir to drink over the next 10-15 years.
Growing Conditions
An intimate 2-acre organic vineyard on the periphery of Forestville, Labyrinth has quickly become a coveted Pinot in our portfolio. Located in one of the coolest coastal climatic regions of Russian River, the maritime fog enters the Russian River Valley through the Petaluma Wind Gap, and is the last region where the fog retreats. The combination of the another long, moderate growing season in 2013, the maritime climate and exceptional Goldridge soils, enabled us to achieve full phenolic ripeness while retaining natural acidity and balanced tannins. Labyrinth was planted in 1999, in the sought after Goldridge soils which derived from the remains of an ancient inland sea that slowly emptied into the Pacific three to five million years ago. Particularly valuable for its excellent drainage and exceptional, natural chemical balance, the soils yield low vigor and concentrated fruit.
Winemaking
Made from 100% Pommard clone, Labyrinth is an intimate 2-acre organic vineyard on the periphery of Forestville.
