2021 Mt. Carmel Vineyard Pinot Noir
2021 Mt. Carmel Vineyard Pinot Noir
New Release! Our first bottling from this unique vineyard.
Description
Our first bottling from this unique vineyard is surprising in its body, depth and structure. The aromas unfold in layers of dark fruits, fresh herbs and a hint of leather. The tannins give a firm backbone to the wine, framing flavors of black plums, blackberries and truffles. The long finish carries hints of vanilla and caramel from the French oak barrels. Additional aging time will allow the wine to smooth out and reveal more of its personality.
Vineyard Notes
Planted on a steep, south-facing cliff, the Mt. Carmel Vineyard straddles the limestone saddle of a highly-exposed, two-tiered mountain immediately north of the Santa Ynez River. Mt. Carmel consists of 22.5 acres own-rooted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines planted in 1990. The vineyard is uniquely influenced by its elevation of 800-1,000 feet above sea level, and soil composed of loose, well-drained limestone, botella clay, diatomaceous earth, calcareous deposits and sandy loam. Ken Brown’s block is planted to the exceptional Swan selection of Pinot Noir.
Production Notes
Sta. Rita Hills experienced an unseasonably cool growing season in 2021, pushing back vineyard development and ripening by an average of two weeks. Our harvest kicked off on September 8, then stalled for two weeks while grapes continued to ripen. Harvest continued well into October concluding with the final harvest on October 18. The long hang time has encouraged excellent flavor development, complexity and concentration. The grapes for this wine were harvested on September 24th.
Winemaker Notes
Our first bottling from this unique vineyard is surprising in its body, depth and structure. The aromas unfold in layers of dark fruits, fresh herbs and a hint of leather. The tannins give a nice backbone to the wine, framing flavors of black plums, blackberries and truffles. The long finish carries hints of vanilla and caramel from the French oak barrels. Additional aging time will allow the wine to smooth out and reveal its full personality.
| Vintage |
2021 |
| Wine Style |
Red Wine |
| Varietal |
100% Pinot Noir |
| Appellation |
Sta. Rita Hills |
| Harvest Date |
9/24/2024 |
| Acid |
6 g/l |
| PH |
3.66 |
| Bottling Date |
4/13/2023 |
| Alcohol % |
14.4 |
| Size |
750 ml |
