2018 Moses Hall Vineyard Pinot Noir
Year after year, this lovingly cultivated vineyard continues to evolve, yielding evermore complex wines. This site produces wines with a rare combination of savory and fruity aromas and flavors, a trait often associated with the finest Pinot Noirs. 2018 is showing more red fruits, such as cherry and cranberry alongside the typically, earthy/savory profile of Moses-Hall. The palate is juicy, and fresh with excellent, fine grained tannins that fan out and build richness to a very long and persistent finish.
The weather in 2018 was spectacular, making this another exceptionally fine vintage for Carneros. 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!
As the name implies, Moses-Hall Vineyard is owned by two of the Patz & Hall cofounders: Anne Moses and James Hall. Anne and James purchased the property (which is located between Hudson and Hyde vineyards in the southern part of Carneros) in 1999. One of the coolest areas of Carneros, close to San Pablo Bay where the chilly pacific winds roll over the vineyard from two directions, the vineyard is situated on an uplifted knoll with well-draining gravelly soils. The vineyard was planted to James and Anne’s specifications to five selections of Pinot Noir: 777, Swan, Calera, 828 and 115. With 19 years of vine age, the vineyard consistently yields grapes that produce lovely layers of red fruit, as well as darker, more savory elements.
100% Burgundian French oak barrels (36% new; 60% 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:
- Carneros
- Vintage:
- 2018
- Blend:
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol:
- 14.5
- Fermentation:
- Multi-yeast fermentations (native yeast, followed by cultured yeast); 10% whole cluster added; 100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel