2017 WALT Brown Ranch Pinot Noir
Critic Review
"Well-framed, with juicy richness to the dark currant, plum and raspberry flavors, flanked by loamy and underbrush accents. The minerally finish lingers with slate, spice and dark chocolate details. "
Dark, bold red. The aromas are subtle at first, but then open into warm 5-spice, strawberry coulis, white flowers, and RC cola. Soft and dense on the palate with flavors of dark concentrated red fruits, fresh earth, and hints of Rooibos tea. Subtle warm oak notes support the lush tannin structure, and the wine finishes with an awesome spicy note that I've come to associate with Brown Ranch.
5-Spice
White Flowers
Red Fruits
Oak
The Brown Ranch vineyard sits on a hillside within the Napa Carneros "banana belt" a specific micro-climate where the morning fog burns off earlier, warming the vineyard for a longer period of time than other sites in the appellation.
| Bottle Size | 750mL |
|---|---|
| Varietal Composition | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Barrel Aging | 10 Months in 45% New French Oak (François Freres) |
| Appellation | Carneros, Napa Valley |
| Vineyard | Brown Ranch |
| Vintage Notes | The 2017 growing season began with significant rainfall, replenishing soils and reservoirs. A summer of gradual warmth indicated a textbook growing season until unpredictable spells of extreme heat throughout September created challenges for many vineyards. This slightly reduced yields, but great quality fruit. Cooling marine air arrived just in time to bring our vineyards to ideal harvesting conditions resulting in concentrated, rich, and dense wines. |
Mile 362, Brown Ranch, Carneros, Napa Valley
