2016 Starmont Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch Estate

Winemaking

Both Blocks 1B and 1D were handpicked from our Stanly Ranch Estate in Carneros on September 7th with the grapes from each block carefully sorted and fermented separately. Both blocks were 100% destemmed and fermented with native yeast in open top tanks with twice daily punchdowns and occasional pumpovers. They saw a 5-day cold soak, and short extended maceration. The tanks were pressed on the same day after being on skins for 14 days and only the free-run from each tank was used for the blend. Racked once after 10 months then back down to barrel for aging until a final racking to tank for bottling. Using 40% new French oak, the wine spent 18 months in barrel before bottling; ten months on primary lees and eight months on light lees. The wine was racked twice and bottled without fining.

Tasting Notes

This wine shows the full potential of Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir, where we are able to control all aspects from vine to bottle. Made exclusively from Dijon Clone 667 (Blocks 1B and 1D) which expresses itself with complexity on the nose ranging from dark berries, bramble and a slight refreshing herbal component along with richness and elegance on the palate. In the 2016, you will find crushed red cherries and a touch of cedar on the nose, followed by a silky entry onto the palate with a fresh mid-palate held up by a slight bay leaf herbal note, which develops into a lengthy finish tethered with acidity.