Fall Release Wildrose Estate Pinot Noir (formerly Aidan)
2017

Winemaker’s Notes

When vines display a subtle, natural harmony with their immediate soil and climate, the fruit can achieve a whole new level of expression. Generally, the less we intervene to balance the vines’ canopy and number of clusters, the greater the harmony between the fruit, savory and structural elements in the final wine—a seemingly effortless flow from aroma to flavor to finish.

When we planted Wildrose Vineyard in 2000, we had no inkling it would evolve into one of the finest in our portfolio. There’s really nothing remarkable about its site: bottom of the ridge, deep soil, cool area. But beneath the soil, there’s clearly magic here as this is our most delicately balanced, nuanced, lilting Pinot Noir each vintage. The vines are in near-perfect equilibrium with their complex ecosystem, elevating the wine to its place at the top of our hierarchy.

In the low-yielding 2017 vintage, we employed the classical method of whole-cluster fermentation, leaving a high percentage of the bunches intact, stems included, in the tank. This method extended the fermentation time, adding a finely detailed aromatic lift alongside a softness of texture and graceful long-evolving flavor.

Black cherry, pomegranate and black raspberry aromas lead to rose petal, orange peel and grassy complexity. There’s obvious intensity throughout the wine: haunting red fruits, precise minerals and a lovely tension between purity of fruit and earthier tones. The mouthfeel is full and generously textured but always poised and focused. Apple skin and black tea flavors linger on a finish that sails away gracefully. Drink between 2020 and 2027.

Andy Smith