Spring Releases, 2012
The first of the 2010 vintage wines are coming out now. Both Pinot Noir, one is the return of "The Habitat" and the other is new, a one of a kind wine from the Santa Lucia Highlands called "Soberanes". 2010 was a challenging year, especially coming on the heels of the almost too easy 2009 season. It was almost too cool all summer, with a much later than normal start to harvest. But for those of us who are looking for balance and especially life and energy in our wines, it was a blessing-it made it much easier to achieve the freshness and liveliness that I try so hard to preserve in my wines.
2010 "The Habitat" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir: The first "Habitat" from 2008 was intended to be my exploration of biodynamic and/or organic grape growing. After a year off, I secured some pretty compelling fruit from two different vineyards, one of which is biodynamically farmed. It was not really my intent to go 100% biodynamic from the start, but rather to approach it gradually and learn what I could in the process. Both sites are what we in the business call high density plantings, three feet between the plants with rows just four feet apart. The two vineyards combined, one from a slightly cooler site than the other, make a wine that is nicely poised between ripe fruit and something leaner and racier.
75 cases made, $45/bottle
 2010 "Soberanes" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir: For many years now, I have worked with the inimitable duo of Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni, along with Mark Pisoni, making wine (for other clients) from several of their very highly esteemed vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, from Pisoni to Garys' to Sierra Mar to Soberanes. Some of the most critically acclaimed wines I have made in my career have come from these vineyards. In 2010, I was offered a small amount of fruit from Soberanes for my own brand, and with the pedigree of both grower and site, it seemed too good to pass up, so I gave it a try. Soberanes is immediately adjacent to Garys' Vineyard, with identical soil, the same plant material (cuttings from Pisoni via Garys' vineyard), the same exacting farming. The resulting wine is classic Santa Lucia Highlands, with big, generous fruit combined with almost ethereal aromatics.
I made just 75 cases, at $45/bottle.
My plan is to ship these wines at the beginning of April. I made these in very small quantities; they likely won't stay around for long. Happy spring!
Regards,
Byron
<< Previous
|
Next >>
BLOG
|
