Palate
This distinct Pinot Noir displays great fruit integration, vibrant energy, elegance and power, simultaneously. Abundant in red fruit, extravagant in flavor and with a velvety, electric finish, Arbore Sacra is a Burgundian wine full of decadence, authenticity and a refreshing pause from the daily affairs of life.
Growing Conditions
The planting of de Coelo Vineyard was inspired by creating true wines of spirit from intricate geologies, and extreme climate and a willingness to explore new vistas of winegrowing by incorporating biodynamic farming principles. Planted in 2008, the de Coelo vineyard, located five miles from the Pacific Ocean, is a 23 acre vineyard positioned at 750 elevation on a south east facing ridge. The climate is of maritime influence remaining very cool and moist throughout the growing season. The soils are classic Gold Ridge soil with more clay substructure and the grapes are grown under Certified Demeter Biodynamic practices.
Growing season 2015 was in the fourth year of the severe drought in California. The normally rainy season between January and March was quite dry resulting in a lighter harvest and an early one. We knew mid-summer that harvest would come early, and it did, by almost three weeks. Our Yields were down this year as the weather stressed bud break and we had fewer clusters on each vine. In some areas of Sonoma County we were down by as much as 40%!
Harvest
The parcels of de Coelo that make us our Arbore Sacra blend are planted the Calera Clone. The grapes were harvest at night to protect their delicate flavors and to preserve freshness.
Winemaking
Arbore Sacra is unfiltered and fermented with native yeast.
Aging
Arbore Sacra is aged in oak barrels for sixteen months.
