Newer clones, like Mt. Eden and Swan, are now incorporated into this site blend. The aromas of Bing cherries, forest floor, root beer and smoky tarragon come through on the nose. A mouthful of pie cherries, sassafras, herbal spices and earth are complimented by the richness of broad grape tannins. The toasty oak finish of this wine will age it well for the next 5-7 years.
Read More| TA | 0.61g/100mL |
|---|---|
| pH | 3.56 |
| Alc. | 14.1% |
| Sugar | residual sugars... |
| Barrel Description | 68% new; 32% 1 year |
|---|---|
| Barrel Aged | 16 months |
Newer clones, like Mt. Eden and Swan, are now incorporated into this site blend. The aromas of Bing cherries, forest floor, root beer and smoky tarragon come through on the nose. A mouthful of pie cherries, sassafras, herbal spices and earth are complimented by the richness of broad grape tannins. The toasty oak finish of this wine will age it well for the next 5-7 years.
The 2011 vintage was marked by another cool year that produced wines with tremendous purity and depth. Similar in many ways to 2010 – without the extremes – it had very low yields and below average cooler weather. But, the growing season in 2011 was much more consistent with gentle warming days and very cold summer nights. As a consequence, the vintage produced wines with incredible purity, remarkable acid and tannin balance, while expressing the uniqueness of each individual site and region. The winter months brought abundant rainfall and kept the soil moist and cold.Bud break was delayed until the last week of March. Cool and overcast spring weather allowed for a slow growth cycle of the vines and likewise delayed flowering by a week to ten days. It rained several times at the end of May and early June, which affected the berry set and shattered many clusters — up to 20% of the berries on a cluster did not set. The rain also created protracted flowering and therefore a wider range of berry maturity. This type of flowering is similar to what typically happens in coastal vineyards. With a wide range of berry development with respect to flavor and tannin, the resultant wines exhibit a tremendous amount of depth and complexity. The cool spring gave way to beautiful and mild weather in early summer and the lighter crop was able to mature at an even pace. In late August, the fog rolled in a little heavier than normal, which slowed down ripening a small amount. Harvest commenced on September 7th, and continued at an even pace until the remainder of the grapes were harvested just prior to the early October rains. Overall, yields were down in almost every vineyard – almost 25% lower in some cases. The 2011 vintage may initially be remembered for the lower yields, but it will be defined by some incredibly site-driven and expressive wines. The signature of this vintage is one where the wines have bright fruit qualities, sound acidities and elegant tannin profiles. It is truly a vintage worth seeking.
Bright ruby. Spicy cherry and currant aromas, with Indian spice and mineral qualities building and expanding with air. Sappy and fresh, offering dark berry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of dark chocolate. A floral note comes up on the focused, chewy finish, which leaves a smoky note behind.
Raspberries, cherries, cola, exotic spices and sweet cedar mark the flavors of this Pinot Noir. It’s elegant in the mouth, with brisk acidity, but also a distinct earthiness. The combination gives the wine a yin-yang of weight and weightlessness. It’s too young to properly enjoy now, so drink from 2019 and beyond. -- S. H
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2011 Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir