Passion Pinot Noir 2023

• Appearance: Medium ruby to deep garnet, darker than neighboring sub-appellation Pinots.

• Nose: Aromatic and expressive, showing dark cherry, ripe plum, and blackberry, layered with notes of spice and subtle earthiness. Hints of dried herbs, rose petal, and a touch of cocoa or clove may appear with air.

• Palate: Firmly structured, fuller-bodied compared to many California and Oregon Pinots. Flavors echo the nose with concentrated cherry, black raspberry and plum, supported by savory undertones of mushroom, leather, and spice. The texture is more robust than many other Pinot clones, with robust tannins (especially in youth) balanced by lively acidity, concentrated fruit core with earthy, savory undertones.

• Finish: Long, powerful finish, often with a touch of spice and minerality.

• Ageing Potential: Long and structured, carried by ripe fruit, earthy minerality, and well-integrated tannins. Designed to age well, gaining complexity with time in bottle.

Decant for at least one hour and serve at 60°F

What makes this area so exceptional is the perfect balance of cooling oceanic winds and warm inland sunshine. Temperatures remain quite low throughout the year, resulting in wines that are very high in acidity. However, while these wines are acidic and full of bright red fruit flavors, they’re not light-bodied.

Exposure to ample sunlight causes the fruit to ripen completely on the vine and develop great intensity and concentration. This is bold, well-structured Pinot Noir that can age for a decade or more.