- Wines
2021 Rapley Trail Vineyard 'James Thomas Block' Pinot Noir
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Vineyard
The James Thomas’s Block (former ‘M’ Block) sits just above Henry Ayrton’s Block (former ‘B’ Block), moving from the bottom to the top of Rapley Trail Vineyard. The soil is shallow and rocky, and the exposure lends itself to a great amount of wind. These factors contribute to a unique flavor profile and well-structured wine.
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
Rapley Trail Vineyard
Acid
6.4
pH
3.42
Alcohol %
13.4
Other Notes
The 2021 Pinot Noir Rapley Trail Vineyard James Thomas Block is a somber, brooding wine. Dark plumb, blueberry, cloves, leather, licorice, and graphite lend tons of complexity. Bright acids and searing tannins need time to incorporate into the wines fabric. The intensely saline finish is impossible to miss. - 96 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous