Vintage: After a second record dry winter in a row; bud break came early in 2021. In spring, the drought stricken vines struggled to grow and set a very light crop consisting of small clusters and berries. Yields were down nearly 50 percent! Moderate conditions throughout summer allowed this fruit to easily ripen. As expected, the wines of 2021 are intense and concentrated.
Vineyard: Seven separate clonal selections of Pinot Noir grow on the Trurchard Estate Vineyard. Two "Martini clones", the "Pommard" clone, the "Swan" clone and several new selections from France -Dijon 114, 115, 667, 777. Each selection provides a unique element of aromatic fruit, spice, and texture to the blend. The vines range from 20 to 42 years and are planted in several sites that take full advantage of the this soil, rolling hills and cooler temperatures. These are factors that make the Carneros an ideal spot to grow Pinot Noir.
WInemaking: All of the fruit was gently destemmed and crushed into open top fermenters with approximately 20% whole berries. Each lot was inoculated with Assmannhausen
yeast, after “cold soaking” for up to 5 days. Fermentations were punched down three
times daily, with the temperature peaking at 92º F. After 7 - 12 days of maceration, the lots
were pressed, settled in tanks for 24 hours, and then put into barrel. This wine was aged
for 10 months in French oak (35% new), and bottled in July of 2022.
Alcohol: 14.1%
Release Date: November 1st, 2022
