Spring Release MacIntyre Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir
2021

Winemaker’s Notes

As I mentioned in last year’s 2020 vintage notes, our MacIntyre Estate is the most exciting young vineyard I’ve ever planted, farmed, and harvested. At less than a decade old, it’s apparent there’s already a real sense of equilibrium between vine, site, and climate. It’s a cool, lower elevation, breezy site that benefits from deep, consistent fog intrusion—it's where the fog arrives first each evening and lingers the longest the following morning. The sandy soils restrict vine vigor so late-season vine energy is focused upon ripening tiny loose-berried Pinot clusters. The wine that results vividly conveys this piece of land with balance, flow, and layering to the wine’s aromas, flavors, and structure. This vineyard will be a star for years to come.

Intensely aromatic coastal character: pine needle and spruce notes with tart red and black fruits and hibiscus elements—vibrant and zesty. The wine is silky and pure, and balances fruit succulence with freshness. The flavors suggest summer berries and cassis. The texture is generous and layered with moderate tannin but lovely acid drive. As the wine grows in the glass it becomes sleek and focused with a tighter mineral character and lingering floral notes. You can open and enjoy this wine on release for all its youthful exuberance, but it will develop greater complexity in bottle for eight years. Drink between mid-2023 and 2029.

Andy Smith