Palate
Quintus is controlled by horizontal boundaries. Cherry and raspberry aromas are duplicated on the palate. with a nice melding of tannin and acid, and a beautiful electric finish. Most notable is its impressive silky, satin-like texture.
Growing Conditions
Perched on a rugged hilltop, just five miles from the Pacific Ocean, where rocky, shallow soils and cool fog emanate from the Bodega Bay; these conditions are ideal for exceptional Pinot Noir. This vineyard literally sits on the edge of the earth, nudged to the limit line where fruit can be grown. There are very few sites in the world similar to these 25-acres of Biodynamic® estate vineyard which is divided into two distinctive blocks: Quintus and Terra Neuma. Terra Neuma is planted higher on the hillside where the topsoil is subject to more erosion. Fruit ripens earlier here compared to Quintus and tends to yield a wine with low alcohol and ripe, red fruit characteristics. The soil and chemistry of these unique blocks are consistent; so much so that we enable the character of each to distinguish itself by bottling these “brother” wines separately.
2014 was a vintage that brought us a third year of drought. It was our farming practices that gave us an edge over traditional farmers. Our vines have been taught to drive their roots deep into the soils, claiming water from below, not above. The summer went smoothly, but we did see high humidity throughout.
Harvest
Harvest was fast and compact until the early part of October provided a break to process the massive amounts of fruit. This is another great vintage on the heels of the fantastic 2012’s, and superb 2013’s, 2014, creating wines of true pedigree. The grapes were harvested at night to protect their delicate flavors and to preserve freshness.
Winemaking
Like Terra Neuma, this Pinot Noir is unfiltered and fermented with native yeast.
Aging
Before bottling Quintus rests in French oak barrels for sixteen months.
