Dynamite with a Laser Beam

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From the coveted east-facing RISE section of Elswick Vineyard high above the banks of the Navarro river (across from Roderer Estate). Deep in the deep end, embraced by the fog. Almost as cool as it gets in California; finally a site for a California Pinot that isn’t too alcoholic, jammy or fat. Whole-cluster fermented in Burgundian open top wood vats. A beautiful deep garnet color with bright reflections. Cherry, plum, tobacco, forest floor, apricot, bacon, vanilla and blood orange. Astonishing density, beautiful acidity, soft tannins.

During Aaron’s 6 year sojourn in France he obtained a Master’s Degree in Viticulture from the University of Burgundy.  The university considered Pinot the litmus test of your viticultural chops; if you can grow Pinot you can grow anything. It’s the fussiest, most particular varietal but when it’s happy, it’s dynamite.

Aaron has always loved Burgundy; the fleshiness, silk soft, beautiful fruit and earthy ancient character.  He dreamed of making a Pinot in but never found a satisfactory site in Napa .. the wines were too alcoholic, jammy and fat. They lacked elegance.  But finally, through a friend who knew about Aaron’s passion he found a site in the Anderson Valley Deep End, high above the East facing bank of the Navarro River and right across from Roderer Estate.  It’s about as cool a climate as you can get in California.  And it doesn’t hurt that it’s also only 30 more miles to the coast and a decent surf break.

Whole cluster fermented in Burgundian open top wood vats. Hand punched down or foot treaded. Aged 20 months in 28mm stave thickness Burgundian Chassin barrels that were used for one vintage of Chardonnay. The wine is gently stirred in barrel during the malo lactic phase and is gravity racked to tank for bottling. The wine was bottled using gravity and no pumps.