2022 Stewart Ranch Pinot Noir

The Stewart Ranch vineyard in Carneros has a cool breezy climate that brings out the depth and finesse of the Pinot Noir grape. Planted with the 115 clone on 101-14, and utilizing a 5 x 8 spacing, Stewart Ranch is on a peninsula in the estuary and keeps its leaves in a stoic manner most years so that the fruit can stay shaded in the middle of the day. We brought in the fruit (3.72 tons) on August 23 because it was the coolest morning in a hot week, at 24.8 Brix. After a few days of cold soak, we inoculated with RB2 yeast. The destemmed grapes were dropped into an open top tank, so we used mostly punch downs on the caps. After 14 days, the Pinot Noir was pressed off and went to barrel a few days later still fermenting a bit, and let the wine relax in its new oak. The barrels were stirred from time to time and developed a nice smooth graceful palate over the next 11 months. The 2022 Stewart Ranch Pinot Noir has welcoming aromas of wild cherry, clove, and toasted graham cracker. The palate is graceful and balanced, with plum, red currant and fraise de bois.