2009 Rincon Vineyard Pinot Noir
Arroyo Grande Valley
Six-bottle limit per customer. No other discounts on these wines.
This wine is no longer available.
This wine has a spicy bouquet layered with notes of cola, clove, black cherry, and sandalwood. The mid-palate is silky in texture, with flavors of red fruit, mineral, and a distinct earthiness that expresses the masculine attributes of the Rincon Vineyard. This pinot noir pairs nicely with hearty meat dishes like braised short ribs and rack of lamb.
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Wine Specs
Vintage
2009
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Arroyo Grande Valley
Vineyard Designation
Rincon Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 7-9, 2009
Aging
18 months
Fermentation
35% new French oak barrels from the forests of Allier and Vosges
Bottling Date
March, 2011
Stephen Tanzer's
93
Wine Profile
Ratings
93 Points. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar. Full, bright red. Pungent red berries and blood orange on the intensely perfumed nose, with a suave floral quality adding vivacity. Sappy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors become spicier with air, displaying excellent clarity and depth. Maintains focus and energy through an extremely long, juicy finish. This wine refuses to let go of the palate.
91 Points. 4th Place. California Grapevine, February 2012. Medium ruby; attractive, forward, intense, complex, ripe black cherry fruit aroma with notes of clove and cola; medium-full to full body; rich, deep, textured, cedary, dark berry fruit flavors that are nicely balanced and firmly structured; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Very approachable now though also shows good aging potential. Very highly recommended. 14.5% alcohol; 379 cases; 100% PN; released September 2011. (Group Score: 16.4, 1/2/0; My Score: 17 [91/100], fourth place)
91 Points. 4th Place. California Grapevine, February 2012. Medium ruby; attractive, forward, intense, complex, ripe black cherry fruit aroma with notes of clove and cola; medium-full to full body; rich, deep, textured, cedary, dark berry fruit flavors that are nicely balanced and firmly structured; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Very approachable now though also shows good aging potential. Very highly recommended. 14.5% alcohol; 379 cases; 100% PN; released September 2011. (Group Score: 16.4, 1/2/0; My Score: 17 [91/100], fourth place)
Vineyard Notes
The 2009 year began with a cold winter which led to some frost damage. Bud break was very even and the remainder of the year was marked by mild temperatures and healthy, even vine growth. An intense heat wave occurred in early September causing many grapes to ripen simultaneously. The harvest in the Arroyo Grande Valley was slightly larger than average and the quality of the fruit was exceptional with concentrated, intense flavors.
Winemaker Notes
Hand harvested estate pinot noir grapes from the Rincon Vineyard, fermented with native yeasts in open top fermentors.