Nose
The nose is greeted with intense deep black fruit, spice box and bramble.
Palate
The mouth is full, silky and loaded with concentrated blackberry and black cherry
with spice and some forest floor. There is just enough sweet oak to support the fruit and the acidity is bright enough to hold it all together. The finish is full and long, bringing you back for another taste
Growing Conditions
The 2014 growing season got off to an early start with budbreak about two weeks earlier than average. A late winter weather system brought in enough rain to supply the vines through bloom, and mild warm spring weather gave us good fruit set. Mild weather through the growing season without rain events or heat spikes was optimal for the development of the fruit. The early spring brought on an early harvest with average size yields of excellent fruit. This is looking to be an outstanding vintage.
Winemaking
Individual vineyard lots were hand picked, destemmed, partially crushed and cold-soaked for 2 days to extract color and flavors. Three times per day they are on a punchdown or pumpover schedule, tailored to each lot to extract the fruit characters. The wine is then aged for 9 month in French oak with 31% new oak barrels.
Food Pairing
This Pinot Noir displays deep black fruit and a spice upfront with a mouthfeel that goes all the way through the finish. Try with pan seared duck breast, roasted quail or grilled lamb. Notable side dishes would be vegetables with a sweet profile such as: carrots, beets, caramelized onions and bell peppers. Pairs beautifully with a wide variety of hard or soft cheeses accompanied by fall fruits, dried fruits and compotes.
