Aging
22 months in neutral French Oak barrels
Tasting Notes
The 2017 Pinot Noir offers brilliant aromas of plum, cranberry, dried cherry and sandalwood. A fresh, jammy texture presents elegant flavors of strawberry, cherry, coffee and juniper with notes of earthy complexity. Juicy acidity adds lift to a soft, integrated finish.
Vineyard Notes
Block 33 is tucked right against the peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains, in the path of what is known as the Trout Creek Drainage—a natural channel carved into the mountain flanks by eons of erosion. As coastal fog rolls inland from Morro Bay and begins to spill over the peaks, it first rolls down this channel and right through block 33, making it the coldest spot in the vineyard. The result is a rarity: a varietally true and truly coastal Pinot Noir from Paso Robles.
Production Notes
The fruit was picked on September 20-21 after a long, steady season produced fruit with elegant flavors and fine texture. After harvesting, the fruit was cold soaked for four days to ensure a gentle extraction of color and flavor, then fermented in small stainless steel tanks. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 22 months in neutral French oak barrels to keep the oak influence in check while fostering depth and roundness in the finished wine.