Fall Release Finn Pinot Noir
2022

Winemaker’s Notes

Our Finn Pinot Noir – first vintage 2000 – is generally regarded by customers and wine trade alike as our flagship bottling, although we avoid any such hierarchy internally. The wine has always typified the unique beauty of the southwestern Russian River district, very distinct to the warmer areas to its north and east. The vineyard sources fuse together effortlessly to create an extra kaleidoscopic dimension, a heightened expression that’s both beautiful and contemplative. It’s a wine of contrasts: crunchy yet deep, textured yet long, rich yet bright, and supple, pure and layered. With grapes this fine, winemaking naturally plays a subordinate role – the quality here was planted in the past and is grown every vintage. In 2022 we have a classic vintage of rarified beauty and quality – succulent fruits, broad texture, yet retaining a lightness and finesse that sets it apart. Although it will add complexity in bottle for between ten and twelve years, I typically find Finn most satisfying to drink at age seven from vintage.

The wine’s aromas and flavors cover a broad spectrum of red-blue-black fruits and diverse savory notes: red cherry, kirsch, cassis, lavender, tapenade, crushed stone, and tangy orange zest. The wine has deep purity, fruit succulence, and silky structure throughout, with lift, energy, and lilting elegance. This young wine is holding its obvious power quite tightly in reserve, so it needs one to two years' ageing to reveal everything it has to offer. Drink between 2026 and 2034.

Andy Smith