2020 Estate Pinot Noir

TASTING NOTES

Fresh and approachable, the Estate Pinot Noir captures the classic character of Carneros Martini Clone Pinot Noir. Farmstand aromas of sun-ripened strawberries and red cherries, with a whiff of a just-peeled tangerine and even a hint of dry hay. Flavors are bursting with fresh pomegranate and cranberries, and an earthy, savory quality, laced with powdered ginger. A delicate, pretty wine with a medium body, fresh acidity, and beguiling intricacy.

HISTORY
Poseidon Vineyard, located at the confluence of Carneros Creek and the Napa River, was planted in 1973 by the Molnar Family to the Burgundian varietals: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The maritime environment of the Carneros grape-growing season delivers cool, foggy mornings followed by warm days that slowly nurture ripening.

VINTAGE
The season began with ideal conditions through the Spring and early Summer, without any major frost or heat events, allowing for uniform development and ripening. Yet few wines were produced in an infamous year notable for a global pandemic and multiple wildfires in the North Coast. Lightening-sparked fires in mid August fortunately had minimal impact on our vineyards, allowing us to harvest high-quality fruit from early-ripening varieties. Severe regional fires in late September, however, brought the season to an abrupt end

WINEMAKING
Our Estate Pinot Noir is primarily sourced from Martini clone Pinot Noir, with small lots of Dijon 115 and Pommard 5. The fruit was harvested by hand and fermented separately. As soon as the fermentations were complete, the wines were pressed gently and aged in Kádár Tokaj oak 300-liter barrels and a single 3,000-liter upright cask. These oversized vessels add the signature spiciness of Hungarian oak to the blend and lower concentrations than standard barrels, complementing the fruit character while retaining the pure, fruit-filled expression of Pinot Noir. Aged on lees and racked only once before bottling to add weight and complexity

Alex Beloz, Winemaker