Krutz Family Cellars Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013
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Although Krutz Family Cellars was founded by an army and family of one (Patrick), it has just recently truly grown into its 'full' business name. The '03-'07 vintages were crafted entirely by Patrick. Youngest brother Cole came on the scene in 2007. Cole is our chief cellar rat and is currently enrolling in a Wine MBA curriculum at Sonoma State College. Also new to the family is Rebecca Kuchar Krutz. She and Patrick met each other in Napa Valley in the summer of 2007 and since have been doing their share of adding to the Krutz gene pool with Patrick II and a daughter expected in June. When the business was founded, the word "Family" was included due to Patrick's tight ties with his parents and brothers, but now it certainly encompasses an even bigger and broader meaning. After all, anyone who enjoys a bottle of Krutz Family Cellars is part of our extended family!
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.”
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.