2021 Merryvale Pinot Noir Brown Ranch

Winemaking

The fruit for this single vineyard bottling of Pinot Noir came from Brown Ranch on the Napa side of Carneros. The fruit was hand harvested at night to retain freshness and acidity. The grapes were de-stemmed, with 30% of the stems by weight layered into the fermentation tanks with the grapes. After a 5 day cold soak in tank, the wines began native yeast fermentation. Hand punchdowns and minimal pumpovers each day, backing off and pressing at dryness — a Classic Burgundian approach. The wine spent 18 months in French oak barrels, of which 50% were new, before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes

A Pinot Noir for those who love the classic Carneros New World style from one of the great Carneros Pinot vineyards. While lower yielding than average, 2021 was a standout vintage in terms of quality. Small, concentrated berries produced wines of concentration and depth which will only improve. The Pinots are luxurious and seamless, with the famous Brown Ranch a standout for its silky structure. Drink now and over the next 10+ years.