Tasting Notes

Release Date: Spring 2013

The significant event for 2011 occurred in early June when a winter-like storm eliminated 60% of the flowers. Fortunately, the rest of the summer was cool but very good. Farming has its share of tragedy and silver linings.

In contrast to the Domaine Eden Chardonnay, this wine is wholly from Domaine Eden which provides an intriguing contrast to our Estate Pinot Noir. The winemaking remains the same for both, i.e. moderate ripeness, native fermentations, high quality Burgundian barrels, sur-lie aging and no fining or filtering before bottling. If you tasted the prior release, 2010, you had a chance to experience the incredible pedigree of this vineyard.

Forceful aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and pomegranate combine with a signature loamy earth on the nose. On the palate flavors of cherry-plum-blueberry are buttressed with high acidity and grip. The overall impression is of a wine that speaks of elegance with underlying energy. This is not only reflective of our style but of the historically small crop size.

Aging for another one to two years should bring all the youthful elements into harmony. A drinking plateau through 2022 is expected.

Production

1,064

Tech Notes

Yield: 1.5 tons per acre

Harvest: September 25th-October 28th

Numbers @ Harvest: 23.6° Brix, 3.42 pH, 8.5 grams acidity

Barrel Regimen: French Burgundy-1/2 new; aged 11 months in barrel

Bottling: August 2012; no fining or filtration

Alcohol: 14.5%

Reviews

90 points Steve Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar - November/December 2013

Vivid red. Highly fragrant aromas of red berries, potpourri and orange zest, with a subtle smoky overtone. Fleshy and seamless in texture, offering lively raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and notes of peppery spices and anise. Shows very good clarity and bite on the finish, which features dusty tannins and a touch of succulent herbs. Bright and youthfully nervy but fleshes out and gains sweetness with aeration, suggesting that at least a few more years of patience will be rewarded.

89 points Antonio Galloni presents Vinous - July 2013

Crushed red berries, sweet spices and flowers all waft from the glass in the 2011 Pinot Noir. In this vintage, the Domaine Eden Pinot is quite delicate and floral. The feminine, gracious style is best enjoyed over the next handful of years, while the fruit retains its vibrancy. Winemaker Jeffrey Patterson used 15% whole cluster in 2011.

88 points BEST BUY Wine & Spirits Magazine - October 2013

Scents of peppermint introduce this subtle, juicy pinot with high-toned fruit character. Touches of bitterness in the tannin contrast the rich fruit, needing a year or two in bottled to meld.

88 points Wine Spectator - August 2013

The spicy floral aromatics join vivid plum and blackberry notes, with loamy earth, cedar and savory herb elements. Well-focused and persistent, this is a good bet to gain with age. Drink now through 2022.