2021 Pinot Noir, Ram's Gate Estate
A remarkable vintage for Pinot Noir, the growing season experienced below-average rainfall for the second consecutive year, resulting in a notably compact yield and concentration. It also signifies another year of farming with organic principles, complemented by innovative practices such as sheep for grazing and falconers for pest control.
This cuvée revolves around our oldest planting from 1995, a Massal selection interplanted with various clones. This section includes two distinct soil types: clay, common in Carneros, and approximately 2.5 acres of gravel.
The older plantings evoke the Sonoma Coast style with notes of foraged fruits, forest floor, and baking spices. In 2021, we incorporated an increased proportion of the Dijon 828 clone from a younger 2017 planting into the final blend. The resulting wine is hedonistic, reminiscent of a bygone era of old-world charm. It stands out in our current lineup as the most cellar-worthy, promising continued evolution for years to come.
