VINEYARD Pisoni
CLONES Pisoni
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING Uni-lateral cordon
SOIL Glacial alluvial
HARVEST October 2, 2010
FERMENTATION 1-ton bins / Cold soak for 5 days on average / Ferment for 9 days on average / 100% de-stemmed
OAK 65% new French oak / 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.8%
pH 3.65
TA 5.70 g/L
AROMA
Dense, ripe blackberry and tea leaves dominate this captivatingly complex wine, followed by a rich gaminess with suggestions of earth and clover.
PALATE
Robust and intense, with assertive dark fruit character and resonant earthiness. The flinty midpalate is finished with cherry-vanilla sweetness.
Perched at an altitude of 1,300 feet, Pisoni Vineyard, the brainchild of Gary Pisoni, overlooks the Salinas Valley to the east. People told Gary grapes would never grow in this location. The determined Gary proved them all wrong and has successfully displayed what the site can produce in the world-class wine coming from this special place. Because the valley opens to Monterey Bay, cold fog intrudes from the Pacific Ocean, blanketing the valley on a daily basis. The fog and prevailing ocean winds make the mountain estate one of the coolest growing regions in the state.
The 45 vineyard acres at Pisoni Vineyards are divided into small blocks that follow the contours of the mountains. The lean, decomposed granite soils are very well drained, stressing the vines and forcing their roots deep into the earth in search of water and nutrients. More than 85% of the land remains in its natural state of native grasses, Coastal Live Oaks, and prolific wildlife.
In 2008, we were generously offered two and a quarter tons of fruit from this highly coveted vineyard. In 2009 we received just a bit more. We have a wonderful relationship with the Pisoni family and are honored to work with their prized vineyard and look forward to making this wine for many years to come.
THE SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS IS recognized for producing some of California’s most powerful yet intricate and impeccably balanced Pinot Noirs. Perched upon the East-facing terraces of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the vines are consistently cooled by wind and fog drawn from the depths of Monterey Bay.
Within this region is the city of Salinas, an agricultural town surrounded by fruit and vegetable growers with a comprehensive climate blended of coastal breezes and sun that is ideal for grape-growing. There are plenty of favorite local hangouts to discover if you make the stop. The BBQ is truly magical and worthy of a detour in and of itself.
