2018 Pinot Noir, Clone 667
Carneros, Napa

Awards: 2021 SF Chronicle Wine Competition – Double Gold Medal

The AVA of Los Carneros is a region covering 90 square miles, located alongside the low-lying hills of the intercoastal Mayacamas mountain range. Elevations of most vineyards range from sea level to top out at 400 feet in the foothills. The soils of the Carneros region are predominantly clay and very thin and shallow, often providing poor drainage and fertility. The fierce and persistent winds coming off the bay encourages the grapevines to struggle and retain moisture. While this aids in limiting crop tonnage, it can also delay the grapes from ripening sufficiently. In vintage years with a long, drawn out growing season that allow the grapes to ripen, intense and vivid flavors can devel-op. Our vineyard is fortunate to have its own artesian well, providing pure water for the grapes.

Los Carneros region is primarily associated with cool-climate varietal

TECHNICAL DATA

Planted: 2002
Elevation: 10 feet
Soils: Cole/Haire: Clayey, silty loam
Irrigation Water: Artesian groundwater from estate well
Harvested: October 5, 2018
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.2%
Total Acidity: .578 gm/100ml
pH: 3.54
Barrels Produced: 11

TASTING NOTE

Offering a clear and bright black cherry color in your glass, our Clone 667 offers up a plethora of scents, starting off the journey with a light floral nose. Notes of chamomile and geranium come forward, with the essential cherry following right behind. Light aromas of black tea, mushroom, white pepper and clean straw are all present, and upon opening, turns to darker cherry, with woodsy toast making themselves known. The flavor palate shows off cherry and flinty cranberry, with a smidge of anise and tobacco. A medium-bodied wine, with commensurate acidity, this Pi-not showcases bright tannins but no harsh aftertaste, and increased smoothness as it opens.

Pair with pâté de foie gras and brie for an hors d’oeuvre, or with a wild mushroom risotto entrée.