2016 Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir
2016 Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir
Incredible aromas of boysenberry, dried cherry and cured meat. Exceptional opulence and "wow" factor.
Description
This superbly concentrated cold climate Pinot Noir showcases exceptional color and incredible opulence. The wine offers aromas of boysenberry, dried cherry and cured meat with accents of allspice and subtle French oak. An explosion of flavors includes hints of red currant, blackberry and mincemeat with a touch of black licorice, leather and black pepper. The luxurious texture, velvety tannins and gentle thread of acidity assure outstanding aging potential.
Vineyard Designation
Radian Vineyard
Vineyard Notes
100% Radian Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills. One of the appellation’s most picturesque and coldest vineyards, this estate is located in the southwest corner of Sta. Rita Hills, unsheltered from direct exposure to cold winds and marine fog from the Pacific Ocean. Planted in 2007, Radian’s soils are Botella clay heavenly laden with shale rock. The austere soils combined with persistent coastal winds result in small clusters and tiny berries, leading to deep, concentrated wines. Pinot Noir clones used in this wine include 667 from Block 41 (64%) and 115 from Block 40 (36%).
Production Notes
The 2016 growing season began with unseasonably warm weather in February, moderated by cold nighttime temperatures, which suppressed budbreak until early March. While the limited winter rainfall was disappointing, the timing was advantageous. Most precipitation fell January through March, allowing flowering and set to occur without the threat of damage. The rest of the harvest season saw cooler temperatures alternate with short warmer spells, which helped winemakers target optimum ripening of the fruit. Both Radian blocks were harvested on September 16.
Winemaker Notes
Pinot Noir clusters for this wine were hand sorted before being de-stemmed and gravity fed to fermenters. The must was immediately chilled for a pre-fermentation cold soak where the most beneficial extraction of color, aroma and flavor occurs. Concentration was enhanced by gently punching down the cap several times per day. The wine aged 19 months in French oak barrels, longer than our other Pinot Noirs, allowing the extraordinary layers of complexity to be expressed. About 38% of the barrels were new French oak. The wine was bottled on April 18, 2018.
| Vintage |
2016 |
| Wine Style |
Red Wine |
| Varietal |
100% Pinot Noir |
| Appellation |
Sta. Rita Hills |
| Acid |
6.0 g/L |
| PH |
3.60 |
| Alcohol % |
14.8% |
| Size |
750 ml |
