VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill, Russian River Valley AVA
CLONES 23, 115, 459, 667, Elite
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge fine sandy loam
FERMENTATION 51% concrete, 49% oak
ÉLEVAGE 56% new French oak for 14 months, then 100% of the blend was aged for an additional month in stainless steel
ALCOHOL 14.2%
pH 3.63
TA 5.78 g/L
AROMA
Alluring aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and apple are complemented by undertones of rose petal and fresh basil.
PALATE
Layers of blueberry and black cherry perfectly balance with oak, energetic acidity, and polished tannins.
Nestled 750 feet above the fog line on the western edge of the mystic Russian River Valley and surrounded by redwoods, Bootlegger’s Hill Estate Vineyard, though once an apple orchard is now home to six elite clones of Pinot Noir. Employing five of these clones and utilizing a combination of concrete and wood tanks to preserve delicate aromatics and ensure resolved tannins, this wine benefitted from the longest maceration of any of our Estate bottlings.
In 2021, the cool ancient seabed soils of this acclaimed 30-acre vineyard, combined with ideal weather conditions, produced a complex and intriguing Pinot Noir with notes of blackberry, raspberry, and apple with compelling undertones of rose petal and fresh basil. This aromatic-driven wine is balanced by well-integrated oak, polished tannins, and an energetic acidity, culminating in a long, captivating finish.
Fact of Note: Bootlegger’s Hill Pinot Noir underwent the longest maceration of all of our Estate wines.
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.
