VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill
CLONES 115, 667, Pommard, 37, Calera, 495,23
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 57% Stainless steel open tops / 20% Concrete open tops / 23% Wood open tops
OAK 45% New French Oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.6
TA 6.0 g/L
AROMA
Intense concentration of red fruits with hints of hibiscus and rose petal. Notes of forest, sandalwood and baking spice create a beautiful balance.
PALATE
Silky, energetic entrance with a sophisticated and lifted mid-palate. Earthy notes of fresh herbs are framed with blue fruit and highlights of alpine berry.
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.
Once an apple orchard and a region used to cart moonshine throughout prohibition, the 30-acres of Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard sits 750 feet above sea level and the fog line, surrounded by redwood and fir trees. Slightly cooler than Treehouse Vineyard, these wines have intrinsic elegance, sumptuous fruit and a hint of spice.
Though the ranch features two blocks of Chardonnay, it is dominated by seven varieties of Pinot Noir clones planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient sea bed. Bountiful options of rootstock and various pruning methods within the vineyard make for a beautifully layered and interesting wine. This classic Russian River Pinot Noir will be prime to enjoy over the next decade due to its expansive palate, silky tannins, and notes rose and forest floor.
Fact of Note: 20% fermented 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.
