Overview: This Pinot Noir comes from Toyon Vineyard on the Santa Cruz Mountains’ southwestern slope. Only 3 miles from the ocean, this vineyard is largely impacted by cool ocean wind and the marine layer that rolls in from the Monterey Bay. During the growing season, ocean fog often lingers above the vines for the entire day. At 480 ft of elevation, the vineyard is planted on Purisima formation which includes sandstone, siltstone and mudstone. The sandy loam holds just enough nutrients and water for balanced ripening. We farm this vineyard 100% organically. Upon harvest, we simply place the fruit in small, open top fermenters as 100% whole clusters. We keep the fermenters cold for 3-5 days, before allowing the fermenters to warm up to room temperature and ferment spontaneously on native yeast. The ferments are tasted daily to assess the maceration and extraction. We pressed after 18 days on skins to 33% new french oak barriques. Unfined and unfiltered. Please expect some solids in the bottle especially with age.
Tasting notes: Wet oregano, bay-leaf and pine-needle aromas are layered across tart cranberry, raspberry and currant on the zesty nose of this bottling. The palate is bright and tart, with cranberry at the core, as juniper and gin-like botanical touches round out the experience.
Pairing: Chicken, Duck, Salmon
Points: 94, Wine Enthusiast
Format/ABV: 750 ml/12.6%
In certain circumstances, a specific vintage may not be available. If this is the case, a comparable vintage of the same wine will be substituted for online orders. If shopping in store, please check the bottle for the appropriate vintage. If you have a question about a specific vintage that is in stock, please email wine@kegnbottle.com
