Winemaker Notes
Dark red with magenta edges. Aromas of bing cherry, fresh loam and anise with hints of lavender and rose. Intense flavors of dark cherry, wild raspberries and passion fruit. The medium-long finish is mouthwatering with a heightened sense of acidity and a velvety texture that will add many years of life to this rich yet restrained, young wine.
The Suitcase 828 is Balo Vineyards' first attempt at bottling a single clone Pinot Noir. This controversial Pinot Droit (upright) clone was smuggled into the country from Burgundy many years ago by a famous Oregon winery owner. Its unique, vigorous growth profile has raised some questions about its origins. Decidedly old world in style, with a flavor profile roughly halfway between Pinot Noir and Gamay (think Beaujolais), this wine is an exciting departure from the typical California Pinot.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Made from 100% Pinot Noir Clone 828, this has the classic red and black cherry aromas and flavors, plus a firm texture with fine tannins and medium body. The acidity and tannins seem to take over the fruit character as it tapers off and leads to a leaner finish. Best after 2017. Cellar Selection.
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
Reaching up California's coastline and into its valleys north of San Francisco, the North Coast AVA includes six counties: Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake. While Napa and Sonoma enjoy most of the glory, the rest produce no shortage of quality wines in an intriguing and diverse range of styles.
Climbing up the state's rugged coastline, the chilly Marin County, just above the City and most of Sonoma County, as well as Mendocino County on the far north end of the North Coast successfully grow cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and in some spots, Riesling. Inland Lake County, on the other hand, is considerably warmer, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc produce some impressive wines with affordable price tags.