The 2021 Thale’s Vineyard Pinot Noir has an unparalleled aromatic expression, with beautifully pronounced notes of red cherry, potpourri, and mulled cranberry spice. The flavors are the signature to the Russian River Valley with lush red fruit, black tea, and herbal spice. The wine finishes bright and lively with great length and stamina.
The fruit was gently destemmed into small open-top fermenters using state-of-the-art equipment and procedures to avoid any pumping of the must. Inoculation with a select yeast strain was followed by a three-day cold soak, and the caps were managed with a combination of pump-overs and punch-downs. This wine was aged for 10 months in 48% new French oak, and 15% one-year-old French oak barrels. Bottling took place on August 17, 2022.
The 2021 vintage delivered a moderate and consistent growing season for most of Sonoma County, leading to a smooth, easily manageable harvest. While the continuation of drought conditions led to slightly reduced yields, the overall quality and concentration of the grapes were exceptional. Thale’s Vineyard was harvested on three different days: September 3, 4, and 8 of 2021. Grapes from seven of the 11 blocks were used to create this complex and delicious blend.
Our Thale’s Vineyard is located in the northernmost part of the Russian River Valley in an area known as the Middle Reach. Named after Steve MacRostie’s wife, Thale (pronounced Thay-lee), this has been MacRostie’s estate vineyard since 2013. The 14-acre property is planted as 11 different blocks. Each block varies in clone, aspect, soil type and year planted, offering great complexity and blending opportunities from the site.