2022 Clone 115 Pinot Noir

Appellation

Sta. Rita Hills

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Ashley's Vineyard (Block U) located in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation

Barrel Aging

Aged 10 months in 100% French oak, of which 46% were new

Cooperage

Francois Freres, Gillet, Mercurey

Technical Data

Composition

100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol %

13.7

Acidity

0.530 g/100mL

3.76

Harvest Brix

21.6-24.8

Harvest Date

9/19 - 9/21/22

Production

309 cases

Description

Our clonal selection Pinot Noirs are made with the intent of isolating some of the very best individual lots in our cellar and capturing the nuances that each specific clone offers. This has remained a very small project - 14 barrels of wine - and delivers some of our finest expressions of Pinot Noir.

The Clone 115 Pinot Noir has attractive aromas of red cherry, raspberry, red plum, chocolate and clove. The palate has focused flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, grilled sage, plum, vanilla and cinnamon backed up with a streak of minerality and brisk acidity.

Wine Critic Reviews

"...75% destemmed and aged 10 months in 46% new barrels. Its translucent ruby hue is followed by a meaty, nutty, masculine style Pinot Noir that has plenty of spicy red and black fruits, lots of stemmy, underbrush, and spicy nuances, medium body, a structured, nicely layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length. This complex, satisfying, beautifully balanced effort will keep for a decade." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "Lightly sour aromas of red fruit meet with petrol and campfire on the nose of this clonal selection. The palate is awash in sagebrush and danker herbs, with cherry flavors giving balance to the savory show." ~ Wine Enthusiast "...ethereal and nicely lifted. Crushed flowers, mint, white pepper and mint lend notable aromatic presence. The 2022 is brisk and vibrant, but I wish it had a bit more in the mid-palate—it feels a touch austere." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous