Appellation: Chamisal Vineyard, Edna Valley
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Clones: 2A; Archery Summit
Oak treatment: 100% new French oak; 18 months
Alcohol: 14.6%
Cases made: 121
Release date: September 2009
Retail price: $80. Sold out.

$80. Sold out.



THE VINEYARD
The 2007 Pinot Noir Morrito is a site specific Pinot that comes from a small hill behind the winery (“morrito” means small hill).  This hill combines both west and east facing steep slopes with highly calcareous, very devigorating soil, producing highly concentrated wine. 

VINTAGE
2007 started out so cold, with temperatures as low as 9º F, that our usual bud break was delayed by about two weeks. Spring came on dry and warm, which helped to reduce disease pressure and allowed for strong vine development. The best part was a long, consistent summer that brought on exceptional ripeness without sugars spiking from dehydrated grapes.

WINEMAKING
We vinify this wine in a Burgundian fashion.  We used  a 25%  whole cluster fermentation in 100% native yeasts, aging the wine in 100% new French oak for 18 months.    .

CLONAL SELECTION
The 2007 Pinot Noir Morrito comprises a blend of two clones, the 2A and Archery Summit, which normally yields ½ per acre. 

TASTING NOTES
Our 2007 Morrito has a bright fresh nose bursting with fresh cherries and cinnamon.  This concentrated terroir-driven Pinot Noir displays ripe Bing cherry with firm tannins and a finish characteristic of our Chamisal spice.  Using whole cluster fermentation and native yeast results in a Burgundian style wine and will do best with decanting or cellaring until 2022.