Spring Release Joy Road Vineyard Pinot Noir
2019

Winemaker’s Notes

The high-elevation coastal vineyards of west Sonoma County performed particularly well in 2019, perfectly translating the beauty of this unique area: concentration and intensity with thrilling freshness and a sense of ethereal weightlessness. For this vintage, we fermented our Joy Road Pinot Noir using 30% whole clusters, an ancient method that really plays to the strengths of both vineyard and vintage. The wine features a head-turning perfume, a satiny, enveloping texture, and all sorts of exotic aromas and flavors that flicker and fade along a long lilting arc of flavor. This is the Pinot to drink first for all its ebullience and sheer deliciousness.

The wine opens with crunchy red fruits—cranberry and pomegranate followed by candied cherries—effusive and dynamic, while notes of orange zest, pine needle, and white pepper spice add intrigue. The palate is immediately silky and juicy, layered with darker fruit flavors than the aromas suggest. The wine’s purity is nearly perfect with all its elements driving toward a sleek, focused finish, high-toned with lingering spice notes. What a gorgeous wine this year.

Drink between late 2021 and 2030.

Andy Smith