Our still Pinot Noir is a lovely expression of the Carneros terroir. Each year, we select some of the best blocks and clones from the Devaux Ranch for this program. We ferment each clone separately in small, open-top tanks, working the cap with gentle punch-downs to enhance the fruit character and structure. After pressing, the wine is transferred into French oak barrels (30% new) for aging. Prior to bottling, we create a blend of the clones that we think best represents the vintage.

2017 saw the Napa Valley break free from drought for the first time in 5 years, with soaking rains to start the year, filling reservoirs and replenishing ground water. The wet weather also pushed bud break back a bit, and harvest returned to an August start after three very early years. Fruit quality was excellent, and it was one of those years when everything was ready to come in at once. Eighty percent of our fruit was harvested in a three-week period that ended with record-breaking temperatures on Labor Day weekend. Everything was in by the second week of September, capping what was, for us, another fantastic year.

Pair this Pinot Noir with a Margherita pizza, duck breast with cherries, or a rich mushroom fettucine.

BLEND: 100% Pinot Noir

APPELLATION: Carneros, Napa Valley

STYLE: Dry

ALCOHOL: 13.5%

TA: 6.3 g/l

PH: 3.47

OAK AGING: 100% French Oak Barrels (30% new for 10 months)

AGING POTENTIAL: 3-5 years