2016 Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir
Catching the first morning rays of sun, which help off-set the copious cooling winds from the Pacific, this predominantly Dijon 777 wine shows piercing aromas and flavors of dried flowers, sassafras, cranberry, salty ocean air, dried mushrooms and distant campfire. Typical of this vineyard, as it ages it is shifting from its’ adolescent savory tones to overtly high-tone and fruity.
2016 was another fantastic growing season. It started out with good winter rainfall, which after four years of drought, was a big relief. While the summer of 2016 was quite hot, a perfectly timed cool-down over a three-week period in August allowed the grapes to ripen with moderate sugar levels. It also preserved the acidity that is so essential to making great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Thus, the quality is exceptional with vivid, alluring flavors in the Chardonnays and deep colors and gorgeous aromatics in the Pinot Noir.
Located about two miles south-west of Sebastopol on Pleasant Hill Rd. (in an area known as Sebastopol Hills), the 18-acre Jenkins Ranch is situated on a north-east facing hillside. The elevation is approximately 400 feet. Once an apple orchard, Jenkins Ranch features Goldridge series sandy loam soils planted to Dijon selections 667 and 777. These vines were planted under the guidance of renowned vineyard manager Charlie Chenoweth in 2001. Though the site features cool coastal influences, its location one series of hills back from the Petaluma Gap offers a degree of shelter and warmth for the grapes.
100% Burgundian French oak barrels (60% new; 40% 1-2-year old)
Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential
- Type:
- Red
- Varietal:
- Pinot Noir
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Sonoma Coast
- Vintage:
- 2016
- Blend:
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol:
- 14.2%
- Fermentation:
- Multi-yeast fermentations (native yeast, followed by cultured yeast); 100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel; 10% whole cluster added