Nose
Opulent and hedonistic with explosive aromatics exhibiting blackberry, slate, clove and sedimentary earthen tones of saddle leather, coriander, gunmetal.
Palate
Dominating and brooding red fruits structured with fine plush tannins create a voluptuous palate, highlighted by minerality and spice singing to a gorgeous finish.
Forest floor, damp earth, new saddle leather, blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, this is a decidedly more primordial, masculine and backward style of Pinot Noir, but with big structure and terrific concentration and energy. Look for this wine to improve for 2-3 years and drink well for 15 or more.
Growing Conditions
Manchester Ridge is perched high on the first ridge above the Pacific at 2000 ft with a panoramic view of the sea, high above the fog laden valleys. The exposed and severe positioning by the sea produces petite clusters of vivid intensity. The unique Mendocino Ridge (Islands in the Sky) is a discontinuous AVA, solely a series of ridges and peaks whose identity is based on altitude, only sites above the 1,200-foot fog line are included within the appellation. Sitting above the marine layer, the days are cool, rarely getting above 85f, while the inversion layer creates warm nights resulting in vines that are always working.
Appearance
Dense ruby/purple (one of the darkest of the Auteur Pinot Noirs).
