- Wines
2017 Razorback Vineyard Pinot Noir
Razorback is nearly always the most graceful and elegant of our Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs. High toned orange peel and spice notes frame the nose. The mouth is well structured with good acid/tannin balance, great red fruit and more spice notes.
Vineyard
The Razorback Vineyard was planted in 1986 and is our lowest in elevation at 1400 feet. It is two acres with soil composed of fractured sandstone and shale. The vineyard has a cooling northeastern exposure further encouraged by settled fog. Four clones are planted here: 115, 667, 777, and swan. We ferment the clones together for greater complexity and intrigue in the finished wine.
Production Notes
Record setting rain replenished our dry soils after 4 continuous years of drought. Yet, it was also another year of record setting heat with an exceptionally torrid Labor Day weekend. Spring was mild, allowing us to pick the best crop we’ve seen since 2012. This was a vintage of good yields and great quality.
Technical Data
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard Designation
Razorback Vineyard
Acid
5.9
pH
3.52
Alcohol %
13.30
Other Notes
Ripe red-currant and cranberry aromas become more complex when roasted cherry tomato and dried herb elements converge on the nose of this bottling. Snappy raspberry flavors zip on the sip, backed by orange peel, making for an altogether mellow expression. — 92 points. Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast