Fall Release Flax Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir (debut bottling)
2017

Winemaker’s Notes

Our first bottling from the renowned Flax Vineyard is, in many ways, a new beginning of sorts for us, and a very exciting one at that. I’ve always thought there are two notable sections of the Russian River Valley appellation: the southwest coastal part where we live and have always farmed; and northwest part, the expanse along Westside Road, the original home of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that achieved worldwide fame in the 1970s. Along this stretch of what’s known locally as “The Miracle Mile” sits Flax Vineyard, long a highly coveted hillside parcel overlooking the river.

In 2017, we jumped at the opportunity to take up a long-term lease of this famous property that now holds its place at the heart of our Estate-grown portfolio. The wine style here is completely different from that of the coastal district: less purity of aroma but greater savory impact; lower acidity but more tannin; deep and broad fruits instead of tart, zesty Green Valley tones.

The wine is completely distinctive, a wonderful expression of this volcanic soil hillside planted to the local specialty Pommard clone that has made the neighboring vineyards and wines so sought after. It opens with bright red and black cherry aromas then darkens to plum and anise. Quite soil-inflected with Asian spices and wildflowers, the entire wine is overlain by a ferrous red mineral character. The palate is dense and broad with obvious volume and inner power, as building layers of flavor and texture envelop the wine’s structure. A lingering mineral impression dominates the finish. No need to decant. Drink between 2020 and 2027.

Andy Smith