2019 Thale's Vineyard

91 Points: Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com - July 2021

Outstanding wines. These wines are outstanding for their type and are worth the extra effort to seek out. “Another outstanding Pinot Noir, the 2019 Pinot Noir Thale's Vineyard has a medium ruby, translucent color as well as classic Pinot Noir red berry fruits, notes of spice and dried herbs, medium-bodied richness, and an elegant, lightly textured mouthfeel. It has plenty of charm and should keep for 4-5 years.”

2019 was a remarkable growing season in Sonoma County with ample winter rainfall creating wet soils and cool temperatures that delayed budbreak in some areas. Spring and summer brought moderate to slightly above-average temperatures, with late May rains delaying flowering slightly but helping to produce the small, loose clusters that produce very rich and flavorful wines. Thale’s Vineyard was harvested on four different days between September 4 and September 18 of 2019. Grapes from seven of the eleven 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.

• composition:

  100% Pinot Noir

• alcohol: 14.40%
• cases made:

  45 Barrels
  1115 Cases

• bottling date: 09/10/2020
• aging:

  Aged 10 months in French oak, 36% new, 42% one-year-old

• fermentation:

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