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Spring Release Highland Divide Pinot Noir
2018

Winemaker’s Notes

This vintage of Highland Divide Pinot Noir is as close as we’ve come to designate quality in a blended wine. The prime ingredients for our Estate, Finn and Ryan bottlings lend this Russian River blend a purity, intensity and richness that elevate it to “best-of-vintage” status.

In July 2018, the naturally abundant crop led us to make two successive fruit-thinning passes through the vines in order to harvest grapes with optimal levels of concentration and acidity. Our commitment to low yields and the highest quality are demonstrated in the wave upon wave of rich dark fruit that fan out to an extended complex finish.

The nose offers a lovely mix of dark fruit and savory notes: black raspberry, black cherry and bright pomegranate, with dried thyme, anise and peat moss adding detail. The wine’s flavors come at you directly—focused, mineral and pinpoint, dark and pure. Richness emerges as the layers unfold, yet the structure remains silky, poised and dynamic. The finish is lively and persistent with a sense of concentrated blackcurrant. 

While the wine is intended to be enjoyed over the next five to seven years, it will age beautifully for up to 15 years in a cool cellar.


Andy Smith


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Highland Divide Pinot Noir  - DuMOL

Vineyard

35% DuMOL O’Connell Estate Vineyard

46% DuMOL Coffee Lane Vineyard

19% Dutton Ranch Jentoft Vineyard

Harvest Date

september 3rd through 8th

Appellation

Russian River Valley

Clones

Calera, Swan and 943

Age of Vines at Harvest

14 years

Barrel Aging

aged 12 months in 37% new french oak barrels then 3 months settling in tank.

Production

1420 cases of 750mL
36 cases of 1.5L
36 bottles of 3L

Press

94 Wine Advocate
93 Vinous Media, May 2021