Drew The Gatekeepers Blend Pinot Noir 2009

The concept of The Gatekeepers has always been about synergizing two excellent but markedly different sites from opposite sides of a single appellation. In this case, the appellation is the very exciting Mendocino Ridge AVA. Both vineyards qualify to be in the Mendocino Ridge as they are both ridge-top vineyards above the minimum 1,200 ft. requirement and are both less than 10 miles from the ocean. In other words both sites receive lots of wind and cool sunshine hours. As the fog typically sits at the 800ft level, any vineyards above that line receive more sunlight hours, yet those hours are cooler from the natural air conditioning of the fog. These two stellar vineyards include Manchester Ridge Vineyard and Perli Vineyard, both absolutely worthy of single vineyard designates but when they meet, they elevate each other in an undeniable marriage.

There are too many words to describe this wine here but just think along the lines of these few descriptors and not in any special order: Rose stems, sandal wood, quince, pomegranates, cherry gelato, minerals, red pepper corns, carpaccio, a newly cut dozen roses, hints of fresh spearmint…. The flavors are lively with floral notes, wild red fruits, spice and sweet earth. The tannins and acid are very much in line with classic fruit weight. An elegant high altitude, coastal Pinot Noir!

Only 450 cases produced