2020 PINOT NOIR

Hailing from the northernmost vineyard in Los Carneros, Napa Valley, sits a small, hidden vineyard. Planted in 2005, this vineyard is terraced on steep hillsides with more rock than soil, limiting the water and nutrients the vines can draw upon. There are three distinct blocks, each situated at different elevations and slope orientations. Owned by my dear friends, the Kipper Family, this site enjoys the benefit of meticulous care and attention. My inaugural vintage of Pinot Noir is sourced from Dorothy’s Block, named in honor of Mr. Kipper’s mother and her love of baked goods. 

**In addition to the 750ml format, a limited number of 1.5L "Magnums" were produced.  Each Magnum is individually number, signed, and sealed in an easy to remove wax.

Pinot Noir can be overly delicate and earthy by nature.  My take is decidedly different. Rich, expansive, and daringly opulent, this Pinot Noir hits the glass with a vibrant, dark ruby color. On the nose are notes of Crème de framboise, Bing cherry, strawberry shortcake, and a hint of cardamom tucked at the back. On the palate, it resonates to all corners without relent. Notes of wild raspberry, Colaberry, and sweet plum dominate, with round and silky tannins that blossom through the lengthy finish. Enjoy now after a generous decant or cellar for a few years.  Anticipated maturity: 2023-2028.

-

WINEMAKING

Composition – 100% Pinot Noir | Clone 667

Vineyards – Dorothy’s Block, Kipper Family Vineyard | Los Carneros, Napa Valley

Brix at Harvest – 24.8

Maceration – 10 Days | Max Fermentation Temperature 82F

Aging – 12 months | 100% New Tonnellerie Marsannay French Oak

Fermentation began after fruit was carefully destemmed and sorted, but not crushed.  Whole-berry fermentation allowed for a gentler expression of fruit and terroir, creating an element of carbonic maceration.  In the finished wine, this lends to a more racy and fresh display of terroir. After a lengthy 12 months in new French oak, this Pinot Noir was bottled unfined and unfiltered, retaining its stylistic verve.

-

VINTAGE & VINEYARD

2020 was one of the most challenging vintages of the past century for Napa Valley. Unprecedented drought and relentless heat spikes made way for wildfires to tear through the mountains in Napa, late in the harvest season. Fortunately, the warm and early start to the growing season allowed for us to harvest this beautiful vineyard a full month earlier than previous vintages, avoiding the risk of smoke.  The result – a vintage of small quantity yet beautiful quality, despite the curve balls Mother Nature dealt.