2017 van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir

VINEYARD NOTES

Family-owned by Martin, Dixie and Ulysses van der Kamp, this site sustains some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Sonoma County. Its terroir is unique in that fog banks from opposite sides meet and swirl overhead to form an opening through which the sun bathes the land to temper the cool mountain atmosphere, resulting in a unique microclimate. Myriad of old-vine and Dijon clones are planted across the property along with a small amount of Pinot Meunier, allowing the winemaker an opportunity to create a blended wine within the vineyard designate concept.

The van der Kamp family embraces natural farming and non-invasive techniques. The vineyard has a great amount of variation in soil types, slopes, and sun and wind exposure. Warm days are cooled by foggy nights allowing optimal conditions for rich flavor and balanced acidity to develop.

Of the nearly 17 acres of old vines planted, Zinfandel and Alicante Bouschet are the most abundant while French Colombard, Petit Bouschet and Grand Noir can be found sprinkled among the various blocks. Typical of the time period in which the vineyard was planted, wines produced from the vineyard tend to largely be field blends comprised of a dominant varietal (usually Zinfandel) that is accompanied by smaller amounts of the various varietals that were picked simultaneously and co-fermented.

WINEMAKER NOTES

Hand harvested at night between September 6 and October 5, including clones 777, La Tache, Old Vine and 113. After harvest the grapes were fermented in open top fermenters with hand punch downs.

TASTING NOTES

A medium ruby color in the glass with aromas of Earl Grey tea, cola, eucalyptus and earthy notes. Bright cherry and blueberry flavors are met with hints of nutmeg and Asian spice. Refreshing acidity and grainy tannins lead to a long and nuanced finish.