A blend of cuvées that are not part of the single plot selection from the estate's 16ha vineyards. This entry wine, with the new label "DDLC" from 2018, represents the estate, but the production volume is very small. The ratio of plots varies from year to year. 100% whole-cluster fermentation, aged for about 10 months (no new barrels). A mellow mouthfeel, soft and thick tannins, and sharp acidity combine to create a calm flavor and complex elements, expressing the energy of the land.
Vintage Information
The vintage was cool throughout the year, resulting in more herbal and distinctly salty flavors, but the fruit is very fresh and lively, with plenty of concentration and tension.
It has a rich flavor and the terroir's characteristics are clearly expressed, so it can be enjoyed now and can easily be aged for 10 to 15 years.
Technical information
Vinification: Natural, slow fermentation using natural yeasts.
Whole bunches (100%) of grapes are placed into open concrete/stainless steel fermentation tanks and a slow punchdown is performed.
Aged for 10 months in French barrels (barrels that have been used for several years), unfiltered and bottled without artificial fining.
Production volume: 659 cases
Tasting Comments
What sets this wine apart from other California Pinot Noirs is that, although the grapes are fully ripe, when the wine is made it never only has a juicy fruitiness, but rather has a calm flavor and a variety of complex elements that intertwine.
The 2021 vintage initially displays pure fruit aromas of red berries, cherries and strawberries, followed by earthy nuances of chalk powder and gravel.
The flavor continues to be fruity, with notes of pomegranate, hibiscus, and red to purple flavors.
This wine has a solid, energetic structure, very fine tannins and a long finish.
It's still a very enjoyable and approachable wine to drink, but it will soften and broaden over the next few years.
Field Information
This cuvée is a blend of cuvées from our own 16 hectare vineyards that were not selected for release as single plots and plots that have not yet been released as single plots.
The soil varies widely within the estate.
The soil is silt, clay, loamy sedimentary soil (mixed with gravel that is coarser than clay), diatomaceous slate, etc. Since 2018, it has had a new label, DDLC, and is an entry wine that represents the taste of the estate, but the production volume is about 600 cases, the same as for a single plot.
The proportions of the lots change from year to year.
Vintage: 2021
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Santa Rita Hills
Notes: Limited stock available. Parker Point 93P, Wine Advocate Dec. 2022 by Eric Brooks
Winemaker: Sashi Moorman
Vinification: 100% whole bunch, fermented in open concrete/stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts
Aging: 10 months in French barrels
Soils: Silt, clay, loamy sediments, diatomaceous slate etc.
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 13.2%