Spring Release Wildrose Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir
2022

Winemaker’s Notes

Wildrose is my sentimental favorite vineyard, the first I planted from bare ground, and we’ve had a remarkable run from this special place that we know as “The Secret Garden.” This is our lowest elevation Pinot vineyard – it's quite cool here - surrounded by the forest and planted on deep silty-sandy soil. It’s organically farmed without irrigation. The wines always offer irresistible purity of red fruits with mossy/underbrushy terroir signatures, and 2022 is no different. These vines produced a moderate crop in 2022 which we night-harvested quickly as a destructive “heat dome” event loomed over the entire State - temperatures soared to 110+F the day after harvest. We like to ferment the vineyard with a generous percentage of non-destemmed whole bunches which adds lovely aromatic lift, textural layers, and suppleness to the wine. I’m reminded of the beautiful 2014 vintage when I taste this new release.

Bright red cherry aromas sit alongside blood orange, cedar, bay laurel and Asian spice notes. The wine is quite sophisticated, not showy, but classic with vibrant red fruits then blueberry notes and fresh rosemary and thyme elements. The palate is simultaneously deep and layered yet sleek and pure, with obvious concentration and textural depth. An edge of fresh red apple appears on the finish bringing intensity and focus to the lingering complexity. Drink between late-2024 and 2030.

Andy Smith