- Wines
2021 Deerheart Vineyard Pinot Noir
Please click the attached Tech Card below to access the video of Winegrower, Nathan Kandler, speaking about the wine.
Vineyard
This young vineyard is situated west of the hills of La Honda, extending nearly to the town of San Gregorio. Representing a new frontier in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this area, once deemed unsuitable for grape cultivation just 20 years ago, now thrives with vines. The soil, characterized by clay loam, contributes to the terroir of the region. In this emerging viticultural landscape, a diverse range of French
clones, notably 943 and 459, are cultivated. These lesser seen clones add distinctive character to the vineyard's offerings, making it a captivating and innovative venture in the evolving wine scene of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Winemaker Notes
The 2021 vintage was a welcome change from the catastrophe of 2020, which saw devastating fires throughout the region. Sugar and acidity levels tracked well and while crop size was shorter than we would prefer, we were able to harvest perfectly ripened fruit at a reasonable pace. The resulting wines have excellent balance and intensity. In comparison to our most recent vintages, there are some similarities to 2019 in that the wines possess great elegance and site specificity.
Technical Data
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard Designation
Deerheart Vineyard
Acid
5.8
pH
3.56
Alcohol %
14.1
Other Notes
The 2021 Pinot Noir Deerheart Vineyard is a new wine in this range. It offers up copious dark cherry/plum fruit along hints of dried herbs, flowers, mint and spice that lend nuance. Bright acids and veins of supporting tannin lend energy throughout. This deep, mid-weight Pinot has a ton to offer. Aeration is essential here. - 96 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous