VINEYARD Koplen
CLONES 667
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING Bi-lateral cordon
SOIL Arbuckle (alluvial)
HARVEST September 28, 2013
FERMENTATION 5-ton wood open top / 5 day cold soak / 9 day ferment / 15% whole cluster
OAK 44% new French oak / 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.3%
pH 3.57
TA 5.6 g/L
BOTTLING DATE January 13, 2015
AROMA
Ripe plum and pomegranate combine with baking spice, allspice, and saffron.
PALATE
The palate is multi-faceted, with a core of blueberry, berry cherry, and kola. A flint-like component exists mid-palate before finishing with a sumptuous and graceful finish.
This small property, tucked away in the middle reach of the Russian River Valley, is owned and farmed by ex-postmaster Dennis and his wife Lynn along with their border collies Cooper and Annie. A real character, Dennis handles almost every pass of the vineyard himself. We enjoy a truly close relationship with him and the vineyard—as close as we can get to farming it ourselves.
The Koplen Vineyard lies just east of Olivet Road. Planted entirely to Dijon Clone 667, this slightly sloped vineyard shows bold fruit with complex flavors. The Koplens farm their vineyard with meticulous care, often calling the vines their “girls”. We know no other vineyard owner who personally spends as much time as Dennis and Lynn in the vineyard. The wine is a reflection of this human terroir and we are privileged to be the only winery with access to Koplen.
Fact of Note: Yielded only 1.6 tons per acre.
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.
