pinot noir
spanish springs vineyard
2011
edna valley
●
vintage
The 2011 vintage brought cooler-than-normal weather to the central coast throughout the growing season. A late
season frost set the vines back significantly; growth essentially started over. During bloom, the dense foggy
mornings inhibited fruit-set which resulted in tiny berries that were smaller than a pea. The small size has its
attributes – the fruit and clusters grow in intensity rather than in size or volume. July brought a cool, coastal
summer and the onset of veraison.
vinification
The Spanish Springs Vineyard is at a 900’ elevation just two miles from the Pacific Ocean. The highly alkaline,
flaky, decomposed Monterey-Shale soils were planted in the early 2000s to a variety of clones, including: 114,
115, 667 and 777. The fruit was hand-harvested in late September, in the wee hours of the morning, so that it
arrived at the winery cold (45˚F). The night harvesting ensures that the acidity and fruit integrity are captured
during picking. After a short cold-soak, fermentation naturally progresses without inoculation. We alternate
between hand punch-downs, bare-footed piégeage and gentle pump-overs throughout fermentation to develop a
rich tannin structure without an over-extracted effect. A longer press cycle marries the soft press (for mouth feel)
with the free run juice (for increased fruit) to create a complex structure on the palate. The wine is aged for 13
months in seasoned French Oak (less than 25% new). The wine is not filtered or fined.
winemaker notes
“The dark ruby color speaks of other noble varietals, yet the
delicate and integrated palate reminds one of the slopes of
Burgundy. Primary fruits of blueberry and blackberry
envelope your senses. A distinct salinity adds length to the
bouquet while lending a weight to the palate. Supple mouth
feel that is refreshing and expressive of dense summer fruits
and wild berries. This wine is a perfect marriage of
complexity, richness, and accessibility. With its lower
alcohol and balanced acidity, it has an ideal aging potential.”
alcohol
production
release date
srp
12.9%
900 9L cases
Summer 2013
$35.00