2014 Pinot Noir - Rancho La Vina Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills

Hand-harvested grapes from Rancho La Vina Vineyard which has low fertility - sandy loam and clay - resulting in concentrated berries. 40% whole cluster fermentation in small lots (2 tons). Like always, we relied on the native yeast that the grapes carried from the vineyards to complete the fermentation. We hand punched each fermentor twice a day to enhance the extraction of colors, tannins and flavors. After primary fermentation was complete we extended maceration for up to 30-35 days to further extract color, tannins and flavor. We pressed with ultra-gentle stainless steel basket press in an 8-hour cycle. Aged in 25% new French oak for 22 months prior to bottling, no fining or filtering with two rackings before bottling.and then another year in bottle prior to releasing.