Tasting Notes: Displaying the bright, savory depth of character that we love from the Mendocino Ridge, this floral, earthy Pinot Noir has distinct notes of dried herbs, mushroom, black cherry, graphite, and a lovely hint of baking spice. The supple wine has beautiful purity of fruit, and is enveloped by chalky tannins and mouthwatering acidity that add to its lift and length. The duality of freshness and savoriness makes this another fascinating Pinot Noir from the coastal, high-elevation Manchester Ridge Vineyard.
Vineyard: Manchester Ridge Vineyard - Mendocino Ridge AVA, Mendocino
Perched on a ridgetop at 2,000 ft. in elevation and just 3.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean sits the stunning Manchester Ridge Vineyard. Standing at the edge of the site, with the vineyard behind you and the sea ahead, you can actually hear the waves rolling in and out down at the beach in the town of Manchester. Despite the close proximity to the coast, there is enough sun to ripen the grapes because the vineyard lies above the fog line. Yielding small clusters of approximately 2 tons per acre, this dry-farmed vineyard produces grapes with intense flavor and excellent natural acidity.
Winemaking: Native yeast. 40% whole-cluster fermentation in small, open-top fermenters. Aged in neutral French oak barrels for 11 months with early lees stirring. Unfined and unfiltered.
Vintage: 2021 was an excellent growing year with a mild spring and warm summer. The vintage overall showed lovely concentration and pronounced depth of flavor.
Technical Details: Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Manchester Ridge
Appellation: Mendocino Ridge
Clone: 115
pH: 3.6
TA: 6.1 g/L
Brix at harvest: 22
Alcohol: 13.5%
193 cases produced
