2019 Older Barrels Pinot Noir 1.5L

Only 18 bottles released

Appellation

Sta. Rita Hills

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Ashley's Vineyard (Blocks U, 4A, T) located in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation

Barrel Aging

Aged 17 months in 100% neutral 4-year old

Cooperage

Ermitage, Gillet, Sirugue, Meyrieux, Boutes

Technical Data

Composition

100% Pinot Noir (Clones: 777, 115, 114)

Alcohol %

14.1

Acidity

0.606 g/100mL

3.52

Harvest Brix

24.3-25.7

Harvest Date

9/17-9/25/19

Production

30 bottles

Description

Our small lot bottlings enable us to deliver some of our finest expressions of pinot noir by concentrating on specific vineyards, clonal selections or techniques. The "Older Barrels" Pinot Noir is aged for 17 months exclusively in four-year old, or "neutral", French barrels. The absence of new oak allow for a more delicate, sophisticated wine showcasing purity of fruit flavors.

This wine shows attractive dark cherry, raspberry and floral notes on the nose. Cherry and cranberry fruit is backed up with firm acidity, minerality and spice flavors on the palate. Enjoy!

Wine Critic Reviews

"...a barrel selection from neutral oak. It saw 20-25% stems. It's one of the more Burgundian styled wines in the lineup and has ample red and black fruits as well as forest floor, earth, and spice-like aromas and flavors. Nicely textured and medium-bodied on the palate, with ripe tannins, it's another unquestionably outstanding Pinot Noir from this estate." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "Black plum, mulberry, wood-spice and cola aromas show on the nose of this bottling. It's hefty on the palate, where dark berry, mushroom, black tea and woody flavors converge in harmonious ways." ~ Wine Enthusiast "...A rich, bombastic wine, the 2019 packs a serious punch. Dark cherry, plum, spice, tobacco and cedar all hit the palate. There is plenty of volume and intensity here." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous