Earthquake Block Pinot Noir 2019
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Why Earthquake Block?
Back in the winter of 1995, as we were getting ready to plant this parcel, a huge storm created a deep ravine in the sloping hill where the future vineyard was already staked. The next morning the sight was frightening — it looked like an earthquake had hit the block! After that, we never referred to it by any other name. This parcel is planted with the Pommard clone, which consistently gives us a wine that harmonizes deep color, intensity and concentration with suppleness and elegance. It is situated on a slope at the top of the Don Miguel Vineyard, with ideal row orientation that ensures perfect ripening.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2019
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Harvest Date
September 12
Alcohol %
13.5
Wine Enthusiast
94
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Bright purple color and aromas of dark stone fruits like black cherries and plums, plus subtle notes of orange peel. Full-flavored, rich but silky, with classic Pinot Noir aromas of the Pommard clone. Round and savory on the palate, with scents of vanilla, lavender, clove and cinnamon. The long finish promises a long life of at least 15-20 years. I would recommend serving it at cellar temperature, between 58-60° F.
Vineyard Notes
The Don Miguel Vineyard: Named after the late patriarch of the Torres family, this vineyard is located in the Green Valley – the coolest, foggiest region of the Russian River Valley, only ten miles from the Pacific. The European-style high density of over 2,000 vines per acre produces low yields and requires intensive labor; but the vines live longer and the grapes acquire better balance and greater concentration, as well as more elegance and finesse than with the traditional low density.
Production Notes
The grapes were harvested on September 12, destemmed, and fermented with indigenous yeast in small stainless steel tanks. The wine was then aged in premium French oak barrels, 33% new, coopered by Remond from the forest of Bertranges. After 10 months of oak aging the wine was bottled, unfined and unfiltered, in August 2020.