County Pinot Noir - Sud Clone 667 2023, Trail Estate Winery

Description from the Producer

92PTS — Sara D’Amato “A study in small-block terroir, sourced from the southern parcel of the estate vineyard and planted to Dijon clone 667 — a clone believed to originate from Chambolle-Musigny. Known for its small, compact clusters, this clone often yields deeper colour and firmer tannins, while its early ripening makes it especially suited to cooler climates. Just eight cases were produced. Wild yeast fermented and bottled unfined and unfiltered, the winemaking is precise and transparent. Succulent red cherry fruit leads, framed by gentle tannins and a fine thread of acidity. Balanced and already drinking beautifully, it finishes with a graceful echo of cherry blossom and herbes de Provence, lingering with impressive length.” Fermented whole cluster in an insulated bin. The grapes were blanketed with carbon dioxide and kept warm to increase influence from carbonic maceration. Footstomped after 5 days fermenting whole cluster and pressed after 8 days on skins. Put to bottle after 10 months aging in French oak, unfined and unfiltered. The 2023 growing season was an EPIC season! Filled with plenty of challenges in the summer — lots of rain, high humidity and lots of heat. In September, the season flipped on its head and we were given the most beautiful ripening season. Grapes showed amazing concentration of flavour and great retention of acidity. This wine has an intense nose, dominated by smoke and leather. Unapproachable at first, then opening up with complex aromatics. On the palate there is great structure with a lightness of flavour with notes of licorice, raspberry and dark cherry. The stems and oak impact will soften over time into a silky palate. This wine needs lots of air initially and could benefit from 5+ years aging. Cases Produced: 8 Grower: Trail Estate Winery Harvested: October 3, 2023 Yields: Approx. 1.0 Tonnes/Acre Brix: 20.5 RS: 3.2g/L Alcohol: 11.5%