2017 Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir
2017 Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir
Library Wine Exceptional cold climate Pinot Noir, incredible opulence, pure fruit aromas of wild strawberry and boysenberry.
Description
Library Wine This superbly concentrated cold climate Pinot Noir showcases exceptional color and incredible opulence. The wine offers pure fruit aromas of wild strawberry, boysenberry and red plum with accents of forest floor and leather. An explosion of flavors includes hints of Bing cherry, blackberry jam and vanilla bean with a touch of truffle. The luxurious texture, polished tannins and racy acidity ensure outstanding aging potential.
Vineyard Notes
100% Radian Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills. One of the appellation’s most picturesque and coldest vineyards, this estate is located in the southwest corner of Sta. Rita Hills, unsheltered from direct exposure to cold winds and marine fog from the Pacific Ocean. Planted in 2007, Radian’s soils are Botella clay heavenly laden with shale rock. The austere soils combined with persistent coastal winds result in small clusters and tiny berries, leading to deep, concentrated wines. Pinot Noir clones used in this wine include 667 from Block 41 (78%) and 115 from Block 40 (22%).
Production Notes
Abundant winter rainfall in 2017 helped ease a five-year drought in California, replenishing soils and leaching out any accumulated salts. Mild spring weather averted any frost issues, and set the stage for excellent bloom and set. A heat spike in early September sent grape sugars soaring toward ripeness and vintners hastened the pace to keep up. Cool temperatures quickly returned, and remained cool for the rest of the harvest season. Yields ranged from average to up to 50% below average. Radian Block 41 was harvested on September 6 and Block 40 was picked on September 13.
Winemaker Notes
Pinot Noir clusters for this wine were hand sorted before being de-stemmed and gravity fed to fermenters. The must was immediately chilled for a pre-fermentation cold soak where the most beneficial extraction of color, aroma and flavor occurs. Concentration was enhanced by gently punching down the cap several times per day. The wine aged 18 months in French oak barrels, longer than our other Pinot Noirs, allowing the extraordinary layers of complexity to be expressed. The barrel composition included 44% new French oak. The wine was racked once and bottled unfined and unfiltered on March 14, 2019. Only 209 cases produced.
| Vintage |
2017 |
| Wine Style |
Red Wine |
| Varietal |
100% Pinot Noir |
| Appellation |
Sta. Rita Hills |
| Acid |
6.1 g/L |
| PH |
3.53 |
| Alcohol % |
14.5 |
| Size |
750 ml |
