Row Eleven Pinot Noir Viñas 3 2021, California

Viñas 3 is a blend of Russian River, Santa Maria, and Napa Valleys. Each appellation has distinct characters that bring enhanced aromas and flavors to the blend, hence the name, Viñas 3. 100% Pinot Noir, 100% California. The grapes are all cold soaked. Santa Maria is about 350 miles south of Napa and Sonoma. The sand was once ocean bottom, requiring that these grapes are fermented in punch down fermenters with stems. Russian River soil is river bottom. These grapes are whole cluster fermented in punch down fermenters without stems. The Napa grapes come from the highest elevations in Napa. These grapes are fermented colder without stems and pumped over. Each wine undergoes malolactic fermentation. A light French oak regime is used to insure the Pinot Noir fruit dominates. To insure proper bottle bouquet, and to get the soft tannis, this Pinot Noir is aged an extra year in the bottle before release. The wine has a deep red translucent appearance and aromas of ripe juicy cherry with touches of violets and briar. Silky tannins and supple texture support the cherry and red berry flavors with a light vanilla finish; juicy acidity and a long finish.