2021 Wildcat Mountain Magnum

92 Points: Jim Gordon Wine Enthusiast - June/July 2023

“Sweet-smelling strawberries and red cherries lead to warm plum and black-cherry flavors in this inviting, full-bodied wine. A rich mouthfeel and silky tannins lend an appetizing texture.”

92 Points: Rich Cook Wine Review Online - June 2023

“I always like this bottling for its dusty dry earth minerality that deepens the cherry and rhubarb fruit profile. Those aromas carry through on the palate, with the dusty character in front. Moderate grip and zippy acidity give a big finish push. Age this up to five years or decant long if enjoying in the near term.”

90 Points: Audrey Frick JebDunnuck.com - July 2023

“The 2021 Pinot Noir Wildcat Mountain takes on a more floral profile, with aromas of fresh roses, cinnamon, and red raspberry. This medium-bodied Pinot is attractive and approachable, with fine tannins and fresh fruit, with wild strawberry, fresh herbes de Provence, and tea leaf. It’s a charming wine to drink over the next few years.”

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 was exceptional. The grapes for this wine came from two prized blocks: Arrow Block and Saddle Block. Both were planted to Clone 667, in 2000 and 1998 respectively. The Saddle Block was harvested on September 14 and Arrow Block was picked on September 17, 2021.

The grapes for this Pinot Noir came exclusively from our Wildcat Mountain Vineyard, owned by Steve MacRostie and his partners Nancy and Tony Lilly. On Wildcat Mountain, the vines dig into the sparse volcanic soil and stand firm against the strong winds that race in off of the Pacific Ocean most afternoons. This fog-shrouded mountaintop vineyard is a classic Sonoma Coast site—cool and challenging—and produces wines of great distinction.

• composition:

  100% Pinot Noir

• alcohol: 14.5%
• bottling date: 08/10/2022
• aging:

  Aged 10 months in French oak, 33% new oak and 33% one-year-old

• fermentation:

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