Winter Release Flax Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir
2019

Winemaker’s Notes

Our 2019 Flax Estate Pinot Noir is beautifully expressive of this special stretch of Westside Road, in the heart of the Middle Reach of the Russian River and stretching only one mile long - an area that overlooks the river at a particularly wide, deep, and foggy spot. This is a terroir with a great history and pedigree.

Compared to our cooler coastal sites, the challenge this inland location presents is to preserve the freshness and elegance of the fruit while capturing the obvious richness and density that these steep volcanic hillsides naturally provide. We do this by tightly controlling the vines’ crop level and harvesting as early as possible - the hour the fruit is ready.

The 2019 vintage style confers a succulence and depth of texture to the wine that marks it out for 10+ years of aging potential.

Immediately bright and lively aromas of red cherry, pine sap and anise. There’s a gorgeous “airiness” to the wine’s aromas that lift and intensify it. The flavors turn darker on the palate with classic black cherry then cassis fruit tones of wonderful purity. The wine is sleek and expansive, combining power with finesse effortlessly. Not a hard edge to be found throughout. Drink between 2021 and 2030. Bottled unfiltered.

Andy Smith