2021 Pinot Noir, Cellar Note

A captivating harmony of clonal precision and vineyard expression, the 2021 Cellar Note Pinot Noir is a beautiful portrait of a remarkable vintage. Drawing from the intensity and nuance of the 2021 growing season—shaped by the constraints of California’s ongoing drought—this wine is both powerful and poised, a result of low yields and small clusters that channeled flavor into every berry. 

At the heart of this cuvée is the enigmatic Clone 943, a rare and compelling selection that lends an unmistakable elegance. Known for producing small berries with fewer seeds, this clone results in lower tannins, giving the wine a silky texture and dark-fruited depth. Complementing it is the familiar Pommard clone, a cornerstone in our cellar, bringing plush richness and mid-palate focus to the blend. 

On the nose warming notes of baking spices, cinnamon stick, and apple crisp drift alongside high-toned aromas of cherry compote, wild strawberry, and dried goji berry. The palate continues the theme, layering fresh red fruits with savory undertones and a thread of minerality. 

Structurally, the wine is taut and vibrant. Precise tannins and a clean line of acidity echo the clarity and structure of the 2019 vintage, yet the 2021 speaks with its own voice—confident, focused, and just beginning to reveal its potential. This is a wine built for both immediate enjoyment and long-term reward. Expect it to evolve beautifully over the next decade.