This wine is made from 100% Pinot Noir from our own vineyard, Stanley Ranch, with a blend of selected lots from RMS, Brown Ranch, and others. The grapes are harvested early in the morning in late August and fermented with natural yeast in separate tanks for each vineyard. Some of the Stanley Ranch grapes are fermented whole bunch. They are pressed separately and then aged for 11 months in French barrels from the Vosges and Allier (30% new barrels) before being bottled unfiltered and unclarified. Impressive aromas of leather, mushrooms, cherries, and game. Powerful, tense, distinct, and fresh acidity. A wine that can be enjoyed now, but can also be expected to age for 10 to 15 years.
Vintage Information
This was an ideal vintage for winemakers, with abundant rainfall early in the year providing moisture for the soil.
The mild spring weather that followed resulted in a slight delay in bud break and flowering, but still uniform fruit set.
The summer was mild with no heat waves, and the autumn was long and the sunshine was moderately hot, allowing the grapes to gradually increase their sugar content and wait for the phenols to ripen, so we were able to wait until the ideal timing for harvesting.
Technical information
Fermentation and Winemaking: Made using classic Burgundian methods.
Cold soaking for 5 days, using natural yeasts, spontaneous fermentation in open-top stainless steel tanks, bottled unfiltered and unfined.
Aged for 11 months in French barrels.
30% new barrels
Tasting Comments
A wine with rich fruitiness and refreshing acidity that are characteristic of classic Carneros Pinot Noir.
A complex aroma emerges from the combination of forest undergrowth and earthy nuances with spices such as black cherry, cinnamon and cloves, and mineral notes.
It has a smooth mouthfeel, a well-balanced depth and natural acidity, and a lingering aftertaste.
Great vintage.
Enjoyable to drink now, but has the potential to age for another 10 years or so.
Vintage: 2018
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Nested AVAs, Others: Carneros
Vineyards: Stanly Ranch Estate, RMS, Brown Ranch, Lee Vineyard
Winemaker: Andrew Wright
Brewing: Cold soaking for 5 days, natural yeast fermentation
Aging: 11 months in French barrels (30% new barrels)
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.4%
JAN: 40426042826