Fall Release Joy Road Vineyard Connor Pinot Noir
2014

Winemaker’s Notes

This is as pure an expression of coastal pinot as you will find and our finest effort to date from this unique vineyard. There are so many factors that make this site special. A few key ones are: high elevation in the coastal mountains, 4-miles from the ocean, high-density vine planting, and a co-fermentation of multiple clones with different maturity levels. These combine to produce a wine that offers wonderful clarity of aroma and flavor. However it’s the soil that really drives the wine. The deep, iron-rich, red sandy soils – distinct from our Green Valley and RRV sites as they feature no clay – give the wine its beautiful natural transparency and mineral lift. You can taste every individual facet of the wine in pinpoint detail – that’s transparency. Without the clay the wine has less overt mid-palate richness, relying instead on its incredible vibrancy and livewire intensity to energize the palate. The flavors reverberate from start through to the long savory finish, so bright, juicy and mouthwatering. I highly recommend taking a look at this wine, it’s unlike any other in our line-up except for its inherent quality, which is top notch. You can age this for six to ten years and it will deepen and darken over time.

Brilliant coastal pinot expression. Bing cherry, strawberry top, black pepper, pine needle and freshly-turned soil. Sweet and supple red fruit entry. Lithe, delicate and transparent palate. Darkens to blueberry. Succulent, zesty and fresh with wonderful clarity of flavor. Velvety mouthfeel then vibrant red apple skin rhubarb finish. Lingering and energetic.

A beautifully balanced wine with great purity of coastal fruit and nuanced soil/leaf notes built on a long sleek frame.

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner