2001 Pinot Noir - Santa Maria Valley, Bien Nacido Vineyard
|
It has often been said of Pinot Noir that it is the most difficult grape to grow wherever it is planted. Though I haven’t found the grape to be difficult to grow, it is definitely sensitive to changes in weather. It demonstrated this once again in 2001 with a below normal crop level. We received our quota of grapes from Bien Nacido Vineyard in the middle of September, a quantity which allowed us to produce exactly half the volume of the last year’s wine. However, the quality is excellent, and you will be happy to know that we will not be increasing the price to compensate for loss of quantity.
The winemaking regime, which we have established for our Pinots, was once again employed. The grapes were entirely destemmed, then fermented in one half to two tons lots for nearly two weeks, pressed to a settling tank, then transferred to French oak barrels for eleven months of aging. The wine was given a light fining and filtration before bottling in early September.
The wine has aromas which may be less fruity than the 2000, but are more complex and earthy. On the palate, the wine shows moderate tannins and attractive, extracted, spiced berry flavors integrated with sweet French oak flavors. This vintage is heavier in body than the 2000, and will benefit from at least two years of bottle aging to resolve its tannins and more extracted flavors. It will age for four to seven years from time of release. This will be the vintage to lay away for a few years while you are drinking the delicious 2000 vintage.
Rick Longoria
Winemaker
February 1, 2003
Composition: 100% Bien Nacido Vineyard
pH: 3.41
Alcohol by volume: 14.5%
Total acidity: .63 g/100 ml.
Production: 315 cases
back to Our Wines page
|
|
|
