- Wines
2019 Rapley Trail Vineyard Pinot Noir
Vineyard
Rapley Trail Vineyard consists of the martini clone planted in 1983. The 6-acre plot sits at an elevation of 1650 feet and is southeast facing. Different blocks are harvested and bottled from this vineyard to showcase the soil and climate variations found here. At higher elevations the soil is dark and rich whereas the lower portions are grey, lean, and rough. While all vintages and blocks yield distinctive notes, there is a common theme of an exotic and spicy aroma.
Winemaker Notes
The 2019 vintage will go down as a classic year in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Unsettled weather in the spring resulted in poor flowering, and lower yields in some blocks. The summer was warm, but not oppressive. The lack of extreme heat events was a welcome change. Harvest began in mid-September, finishing up in mid to late October. The wines are concentrated with a fine balance of structure and fruit intensity. Site expression seems amplified; low yields and moderate temperatures often lead to some of our most singular and terroir driven wines.
Technical Data
Vintage
2019
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard Designation
Rapley Trail Vineyard
Acid
5.9
pH
3.61
Alcohol %
13.5
Other Notes
Roasted black cherry, cola spice, sandalwood, singed pine needle and a hint of earthy lanolin show on the nose of this excellent bottling from vines planted in 1983. The pine forest element is strong on the palate, giving minty depthy to the tart pomegranate and richer red fruit flavors. — 94 points. Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
Food Pairing Notes
Matt Kettman, Wine Enthusiast. 94 pts.