Nose
Layered aromatic of baking spice, fresh white strawberry, and a touch of violet pastille.
Palate
Brown sugar and Asian spice components make this wine warm and inviting—a strong, powerful expression of the variety that’s concentrated in flavor and body weight. Tart cranberry and raspberry are seasoned in elements of dried herb, adding complexity. Crushed red berries on the palate dominate with hints of earth and chocolate in the background. Warm and spicy oak integrate beautifully on the finish showcasing the intense character of Brown Ranch Pinot Noir.
Growing Conditions
The Brown Ranch vineyard sits on a hillside within the Napa Carneros ‘banana belt’ – a specific micro-climate where the morning fog burns off earlier, warming the vineyard for a longer period of time than other sites in the appellation. Brown Ranch Vineyard sits on a hillside at the base of the Mayacamas in the Los Carneros, Napa Valley appellation. Warm Micro-Climate a slightly warmer temperature where the morning fog burns off earlier. San Pablo Bay brings cool fog and ocean breezes.
Harvest
The 2015 growing season in Anderson Valley was characterized by early bud break and a quick harvest. Early spring was unusually warm, however temperatures dropped in May causing ripening to slow, this allowed for flavor development and higher acidity. Yields were lower but the small berries and shatter that characterized this vintage resulted in impressive quality in the bottle.
Aging
10 months in 40% New Francois Freres.
Appearance
A vibrant ruby color in the glass.
