Ancien Pinot Noir “Jouissance” 2019, Russian River Valley, California

Gilbert Perez’s 2-acre vineyard in the SW corner of the RRV appellation, only nominally protected by the coastal hills and open to the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean, is the single source for these grapes. The soils are loose, sandy, and well-drained, typical for the Russian River Valley, and known for producing explosive and aromatic fruit flavors balanced with acidity and earthy aromas. Wine fermented in one ton, open-top tanks, layering the bottom 25% of each tank with whole clusters of fruit, adding structure and spice notes. A warm fermentation with a combination of native and isolated Burgundian yeasts produced excellent and focused flavor extraction, complemented and completed with traditional punch-downs by hand. The wine was aged in Francois Freres cooperage, half new, and racked once, gently, prior to bottling. “A deeper, earthier expression of this vineyard upon release. Brambly black cherry, allspice, hints of earth mingle with the usual notes strawberry and pie cherry. The palate is broad and giving, showing early complexity which echos the fruit notes and is accompanied by sweet vanillin, toasted hazelnut, tea, herbs and coffee as an introduction to this joyfully juicy blend of rich fruit and earthy spice. Sassafras, herbal notes and baking spices are revealed in the satisfying finish” – From the Winery

$65.99