2018 Alder Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir
The 2018 Pinot Noir has a high-mountainside wine structure of firm, dense tannins with complex aromas of dried rose petals, cranberry and pomegranate with a hint of dried sage. The 2018 is showing a firm tannic edge, which mingles seamlessly with spicy red fruit and five-spice powder. Like many of the greatest vintages from Alder Springs, this 2018 promises a long, fascinating evolution in the cellar.
The weather in 2018 was spectacular, making this another exceptionally-fine vintage for Sonoma County. A near record long growing season, with plenty of cool days, punctuated with sunny and warm patches allowed flavors and textures to mature fully. Crop levels were above average, with many sites producing the best crops in years. The acidity levels are higher than normal, with perfectly ripened fruit. Though the year was cool, the fruit was very clean and high quality. A vintage to remember!
Defined by its high elevation and low vigor uplifted marine soils, Alder Springs Vineyard sustains tiny vines with equally tiny clusters and berries. Located about 11 miles from the Pacific, with some blocks as high as 2,600 ft., Alder Springs exists on the edge of what is possible for cool-climate winegrowing. When we bottle an Alder Springs Vineyard wine, it is something rare and special. This wine comes from one of the vineyard’s finest Pinot Noir blocks in 2018: Spirit Rock, planted with a mix of Dijon Clones and California Heirloom selections of Pinot Noir.
38% new Burgundian French oak barrels
Bottled without fining or filtration of any kind
- Type:
- Red
- Varietal:
- Pinot Noir
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Mendocino
- Vintage:
- 2018
- Blend:
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol:
- 13.5
- Fermentation:
- Multi-yeast fermentations (wild & cultured); 100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel