Winemaker Notes
This new offering made with grapes sourced from the famed Stanly Ranch on the Napa Side of Carneros. The Alta offering is a combination of four clones: Pommard, 114, 115, and 777. All clones were fermented together for 22 days. The wine went through ML fermentation and was aged for 14 months in 50% new and 50% second year French oak barrels. Racked just once. Unfiltered and unfinned.
As early as the 1970s Carneros became known as a source of terrific Pinot Noir, and was one of the first California regions to gain such a reputation. The combination of sunny days, cooling fog and thin clay soils are tailor-made for the variety. Another factor in Pinot Noir’s prominent place here is vintners’ willingness to experiment widely. The history of the grape in Carneros is marked by continuous research into clonal variations, viticultural techniques and site selection. Careful evaluation over time has revealed a signature flavor profile as well. Complex aromas and flavors of cherry, red berry, spice, earth and cola appear time and again in Carneros Pinot Noir. To this day the appellation remains one of California’s standard bearers for the variety.