Nose
Complex aromas of red cherries and dried cranberries are interlaced with a savory grilled herb nuance.
Palate
Red raspberry and kirsch flavors complement silky tannins and a layered mouthfeel. The lingering and nuanced finish is a hallmark of all bottlings from this amazing vineyard.
Growing Conditions
Arrendell Vineyard sits in arguably the coldest spot in the Green Valley sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley AVA. Each year this old-vine Pinot Noir vineyard, which was planted in 1975, struggles to ripen the one ton/acre crop of old heirloom Pinot Noir selections by Halloween. The cold meso-climate that results from cool air settling in this low-lying vineyard preserves natural acidity in the grapes and helps preserve the purity expression of the unique, ultra complex terroir in this wine. Natural acidity and density of distinct flavors that result from these adverse conditions also heightens the potential for extended aging of Arrendell Vineyard Pinot Noir bottlings.
Bottling
No fining or filtration
Aging
14 months 100% French oak, 60% new
Appearance
The 2011 Arrendell Vineyard Pinot Noir is a deep, ruby-coloured wine.
