2016 Thale's Vineyard 'Single Barrel'

As our Thale’s Estate Vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley has evolved, we have been thrilled to see numerous blocks emerge that are noteworthy for their exceptional character and quality. Located on a hillside that is too steep for our tractors, Block D1 yields a supple and flowing Pinot Noir, with a gorgeous inky color and wonderful intensity. To accentuate the wine’s richness, we limited yields to two tons per acre and aged the Clone 2A grapes in a new François Frères medium-toast barrel. As the wine has aged, it has developed notes of caramelized sugar and toasty oak that frame the velvety tannins and juicy flavors of ripe plum and berries. The finish is long and satisfying with a hint of dusty earth that adds depth and texture to the lush fruit.