2021 Pinot Noir, Durell VineyardSonoma Coast
Our 2021 Durell Vineyard Hayfield Block Pinot Noir harkens back to the superb 2017 vintage. As with that bottling, this displays a stunning depth of flavor and texture. Ripe dark berry, dried floral and forest floor notes form the first impression, as savory mushroom, brown spice and sweet vanillin oak emerge mid-palate with a mouthfilling richness that is nicely balanced by grippy fine grained tannins. Whispers of sweet tobacco linger on the long, silken finish.
Vineyard: The famed Durell Vineyard lies in the southernmost part of Sonoma Valley, within the Sonoma Coast appellation. The site is less than 10 miles from the San Pablo Bay and on the edge of the Petaluma Gap, with afternoon breezes that draw in cooling fog most days during the growing season. The soil is part of an old creek bed, and so is very rocky. ‘Hayfield’ is one of Durell’s smallest and most coveted blocks; known for its compact clusters and late afternoon shade, which deliver both concentration and elegance.
Winemaking: All Saxon Brown Pinot Noirs are treated to the same winemaking protocols to maximize the individual character of each site. In keeping with that, we picked our Durell Vineyard Hayfield Block in the cool, dark hours before dawn, and immediately transported the fruit to the winery where it was de-stemmed into small open-top tanks for cold soak at 45F. After three days, the must was allowed to warm and begin fermentation. At this point, we added a select strain of red Burgundian yeast and began thrice daily punch downs. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was pressed to new French oak barrels for 17 months, where it completed malolactic fermentation and settled. Once ready, the wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tech Info:
Case Production: 143
Harvest Date: 9/24/21
Brix: 24.0
Aging: 17 mo in 50% New French Oak
Bottled: 3/10/23
Alc: 14.1%
TA: 6.1
pH: 3.37
Clone: Swan