Winemaker Notes
Both Catapult and Diamond Pile Pinot Noir vineyards are planted with Dijon clone 115 and clones 5 and 31, which we blend to create this Fog Swept Pinot Noir. The vineyards are socked in by lingering morning fog on most summer days, where temperatures can swing up to 27 degrees from morning to afternoon. These conditions induce a longer growing season which enables the grapes to develop the rich California flavors of bright cherry, pomegranate, and wild strawberries, while preserving the fresh acidity and classic earthiness that is synonymous with Pinot Noir. Fog Swept Pinot Noir attains a perfect balance between old and new world styles of Pinot Noir.
The Sonoma Coast AVA is large in area but, not counting overlapping regions like Russian River Valley, only has a few thousand acres of grapevines—and it’s no wonder. Much of the region is rugged and not easily accessible. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean’s fog and cool breezes limits the varieties that can be cultivated, but it proves to be an ideal environment for high quality Pinot Noir.
Since fog is a frequent fact of life here, as are heavy marine layers that sometimes bring rain, the best vineyards are wisely planted above the fog line, on picturesque ridges that capture enough sun to provide even ripening. That, with the overnight drop in temperature that reliably preserves acidity, results in fine expressions of Pinot Noir that often receive tremendous critic and consumer praise alike, and are often in high demand.