2016 Manzana Vineyard

92 Points: Virginie Boone Wine Enthusiast - 12/31/18

"Juicy, with a medium-built backbone of intense fresh acidity, this wine is savory in spirit and style, with large helpings of black tea, cardamom and forest pine. The fruit component is defined in cherry, cola and vanilla."

The 2016 vintage started out with an early bud break followed by a warm growing season. Just when we were about to start picking, we had a cool spell in late August. This helped slow things down and spread out the harvest. With no threat of rain in sight, we hand harvested the grapes exactly when we wanted to in the cool evening hours of September 17, 2016.

The grapes for this Pinot Noir came exclusively from Manzana Vineyard, which is farmed by the renowned Dutton Family. The Duttons have been growing grapes in Sonoma County — specifically the Russian River Valley — for generations. Because they are known for their meticulous farming and consistent quality vintage after vintage, their fruit is highly prized. Manzana is located in Green Valley, a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley known for its cool temperatures. For Pinot Noir, this unique climate results in deeper colors and intense aromatics. The best barrels from Manzana Vineyard were used to make this wine, with each specifically selected for its unique and ideal traits.

• composition:

  100% Pinot Noir

• alcohol: 14.40%
• cases made:

  19 Barrels
  464 Cases

• bottling date: 08/01/2017
• aging:

  Aged 10 months in French oak, 32% new

• fermentation:

  Gently desteemed into open-top fermenters; three day cold soak; cap management included pump-overs & punch-downs