VINEYARD Treehouse
CLONES 23, Swan, Pommard, Calera, 37
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Volcanic
FERMENTATION 44% Stainless steel open tops / 18% Concrete open tops / 38% Wood open tops / 2% Whole cluster
OAK 55% New French Oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.0%
pH 3.52
TA 5.7 g/L
AROMA
Crème de cassis, kirsch and black plum ignite the senses, while notes of chocolate and fresh baked blackberry pie are energetically layered throughout.
PALATE
Compact and linear entry, with great depth of flavor. Notes of cranberry and raspberry complement the bold tannins and bright acid, while the finish is expansive, clean and long.
The 2016 growing season was relatively smooth for our team, offering virtually no surprises during harvest. After the drought and resulting lower yields of 2015, we welcomed a healthy amount of rain and a generous crop of exceptionally high-quality fruit across the board. Treehouse Vineyard was showing vast maturation differences within blocks during harvest, which the team balanced by stratifying pick times.
Treehouse Vineyard hails in the historic Russian River Valley, eight miles from the Pacific Ocean at an elevation of 750 feet above the fog line. Previously, this land was used for grazing cattle, which means there was no need for a source of water. To this day, water must be carted up to the vineyard to water the vines which were first planted in 2006.
The 14-acre vineyard is a natural masterpiece with coastal cypress on one end and a ring of redwoods at the peak. Volcanic, iron-rich red dirt covers the ranch, providing a unique and perfect home for five different clones of Pinot Noir. This sunny, magical vineyard delivers exceptional flavor, intensity and texture.
Fact of Note: 18% fermented and aged in concrete.
THE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY IS hallowed ground for lovers of great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here, the vines are submersed in clockwork fog and daytime temperature swings, which preserve the natural acidity essential to elegant, age-worthy wines. We work with a handful of the most beloved vineyards from this remarkable wine region considered by many to be the heartland of California Pinot Noir.
Within Russian River Valley, in a town tucked away from the main roads, you’ll find a community ranging from writer to artisan. The town of Graton is an area where local winemakers and growers take a respite and enjoy some of the many popular yet under-the-radar restaurants. During harvest, the little town is full of life and bustling.
