Passion Pinot Noir 2017



Passion is a supple, single-vineyard, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

The 2017 Passion has a light color and an inviting rose petal bouquet which may lead you to think this is just another strawberry and cream Pinot but no - this is velvet, seduction and mystery - a wow of a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir showing poise and grace instead of raw power. On first taste it presents the illusion of a little sweetness but it soon surrounds your entire palate with its subtle brown spice and lush accents of red raspberry, cola, pine cone and dried thyme scents. Linger over this wine for a while and witness the pure sensation of time rediscovered. We are seeing the secret scent of barely faded rose petals, violet, spices and, with time, underbrush - all indications of an aging Romanée-Conti - again - but no! - simply a wow of a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir! As a food wine Passion will do justice to strong-flavored meats like venison or feathered game like duck, turkey or goose, braised, in sauce, or simply grilled. For domesticated dishes, Peking duck or a nice cut of roast veal or pork will be enveloped by the close-packed but elegant tannins of this elegant Pinot Noir.
The perfectly completed phenolic maturity of the grapes allowed manual picking when perfectly ripe, sorting, destemming, then cold pre-fermentation maceration. After the cold soak time comes alcoholic fermentation during which the tannins are extracted. Extraction is done by pigeage, punching down the grape skin cap to the bottom of the tank. Fermentations were rich, powerful and the wine was introduced into the barrels where malolactic fermentation takes place, adding suppleness and smoothness during the aging interval. The new wine has a deep purple color, a bouquet that exhales fruit and ample tannins in the mouth. There is no trace of over-ripeness, with all the opulence and richness of extreme maturity.

Climate

The 2017 vintage exceeded our expectations on both quality and quantity. The overall vigor of this growing season was high which required vigilant canopy management. By addressing canopy management and green fruit harvesting early we were able to significantly reduce pest pressure and encourage early fruit ripening. The final wine quality in tank was excellent.
Matured in 100% French Oak: 40% New; 35% One Use; 25% Neutral
Cases produced = 700. No allergens were used in the making of this wine.
Color Red
Vintage 2017
Harvest Date 8th Sep 2017
Style Red Burgundy
Appellation Russian River Valley
Varietal Pinot Noir
Date Bottled 26th Jul 2018
Drinkable 2019 - 2029
Alcohol 14.40%
Bottle Size 750ml