RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PINOT NOIR | SEBASTOPOL HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD

THE VINEYARD | The McDonald Mountain Vineyard is nestled in a very cool area near the border dividing the Russian River Valley from the Petaluma Gap. This beautiful area, referred to as the Sebastopol Hills neighborhood of the Russian River Valley, is where the fog first arrives inland from the Pacific Ocean in the morning, and where it burns off last in the afternoon. The vineyard was planted in 2008 on one to four feet of Goldridge sandy loam underlain with Los Osos clay. The diverse clonal selection includes 115, 667, 777, Pommard, 828 and Elite. The latter is a suitcase selection that produces some of the most exotic fruit characteristics that we’ve ever tasted from Pinot Noir in Sonoma County. The cool temperatures, daily fog, breezy afternoons, steep slopes and dry farming practices all contribute to the production of very small, but extremely flavor-packed clusters and berries that always retain plenty of natural acidity.

2015 McDonald Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

TASTING NOTES: This intriguing Pinot Noir is a beautiful reflection of cool climate and a low-yielding vintage. The aromatic profile offers a true sense of place, exuding aromas of pipe tobacco, black currant, tangerine zest, freshly scooped soil and the scent of tree foliage in the air. Rustic flavors of ripe huckleberries, black tea, violets and a subtle hint of leather fan out on the palate, while layers of dried herbs and white peppercorn balance and tame the voluptuous fruit flavors. Dense, chewy tannins meld with the natural, vibrant acidity to create a full-bodied texture and a long, seamless, savory finish.
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Aging: 16 months in 40% new French oak
pH /T.A.: 3.26 /7.4 gm/L | Production: 585 cases

2016 McDonald Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
GRAND CREW ONLY

TASTING NOTES: This extremely cool climate Pinot Noir offers hints of fresh blackberries, violet petals, bay laurel, black tea leaves and exotic spices. The palate profile is loaded with super concentrated flavors of black raspberry, lingonberry, Darjeeling tea, cardamom and white pepper. The texture is bold and luscious, with fi rm, youthful tannins that coat the tongue perfectly, building into a long, persistent finish that is accentuated by the snappy, tangy acidity.
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Aging: 15 months in 40% new French oak
pH /T.A.: 3.40 /7.3 gm/L | Production: 718 cases