Winemaker Notes
The 2012 Pinot Noir comes from a small family-run vineyard located in the southern part of Carneros in the Napa Valley. The winery partnered with a small grower. Pinot Noir is a blend of five clones - Pommard, 115, 777, 459, and Calera. We work closely with the grower to ensure the highest quality fruit at harvest. The winery treats the fruit with care to ensure the wine in the bottle is a reflection of the hard work throughout the year.
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.