VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill, Russian River Valley AVA
CLONES Elite, 23, Pommard
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge sandy loam
FERMENTATION 84% stainless steel, 16% concrete
ÉLEVAGE 56% new French oak for 16 months, prior to bottling 100% stainless steel for 1 month
ALCOHOL 14.2%
pH 3.63
TA 5.71 g/L
AROMA
Profoundly aromatic, offering delightfully ripe blackberry, raspberry, and cherry fruits, while hinting at dried wildflowers.
PALATE
Framed by decadent oak spices, a hint of tobacco, and building tannins, notes of dried cranberry, strawberry, and wild sage make for a beautifully round wine with a remarkable, long finish.
Sitting 750 feet above the fog line in the majestic Russian River Valley, surrounded by redwoods, Bootlegger’s Hill Estate Vineyard, though once an apple orchard, now features six elite clones of Pinot Noir.
In 2020, the cool climate and ancient seabed soils of this acclaimed 30-acre vineyard produced a glorious expression of Pinot Noir with compelling notes of blackberry, bramble, and raspberry, with fascinating undertones of sarsaparilla and fragrant wildflowers. Though plush, this wine carries its depth and richness with a light-footed verve, framing its flavors with grace for a sophisticated, long, resonant finish. An unabashed, quintessential Russian River Pinot.
Fact of Note: This Bootlegger’s Hill Pinot Noir is made up of three clones: 42% Elite, 42% Pommard, and 16% 23.
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.
