2010 PINOT NOIR
THE WINE
Sourced from diverse vineyards located on the Central Coast of
California, the defining characteristic is coastal influence. The
San Luis Obispo County grapes provide a base of dense, black
fruit and spice notes, due to rich soils and a long growing
season. Santa Barbara County, with its marine soils and warmer
climate, adds bright, lifted red cranberry and strawberry. The
small amount of Sonoma County adds an interesting counterpoint
of varietal earthy undertones.
| VARIETAL | APPELLATION | VINTAGE NOTES |
 |
||
| 34% | Santa Barbara | Warmer temperatures and dry soils had this region ripe and ready by early fall. |
| 63% | San Luis Obispo (Edna Valley) |
Cool coastal breezes and a thick marine layer allowed for a long hang-time that resulted in intense color and flavors. |
| 3% | Sonoma County | Higher elevation and stony alluvial soils accelerated ripening during fall's heat wave. |
THE WINEMAKING
Picked by hand in the cool of the coastal night, these grapes
were hand-sorted at the winery before being destemmed into
stainless open-top fermenters. After a short cold soak, the juice
was inoculated with cultured yeasts and fermented for 8 to 14
days. The caps were punched down twice a day by hand to
gently extract color and flavor. The wine was pressed to oak
barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging.
THE FLAVOR PROFILE
Displaying the exuberance of the Central Coast, this bright,
young Pinot Noir leaps out of the glass with a nose dominated
by black cherry, blackberry and plum with complex underlying
notes of cedar and warm baking spice. With intricate layers of
complexity, this wine exhibits with a rich palate laden with
flavors of berry compote, rose petals, spice and lingering
acidity.
ACCOLADES
- 2012 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition - Gold Medal