2013 BOOTLEGGER’S HILL PINOT NOIR

VINTAGE NOTES

The 2013 growing season began early and progressed evenly all the way through harvest. Bud break, flowering and veraison all took place without drama or concern and the theme of moderation continued as the clusters ripened on the vine. This uniform development was welcomed and little could upset it. A few heat spikes and the threat of early rains aside, 2013 delivered exactly what we needed.

The great conditions set a heavy crop that we mitigated through aggressive fruit thinning. Our crews worked diligently and with continued focus to reduce the yield to one cluster per shoot in some blocks so that the vines were better able to balance their load. We also removed shoulders on some of the clusters to produce the same effect. The goal being to afford these younger vines the energy they needed to ripen their crop properly and without undue stress.

Harvest took place at a good but even pace. We were able to pick the vineyard in multiple small passes to create as many small lots as possible. The yields were tiny but the resulting collection of small lots allowed us to unlock a final wine comprised of numerous picks, passes, clones and aspects.

TASTING NOTES

Aromatics: Bright raspberry, cherry, touches of ripe citrus and baking spice. Pretty hints of rose, violet and higher fruit tones combine with the dark red fruit notes. Some savory olive and herbs de Provence.

Flavors: Darker berries, ripe plum and bright cherry. A rich compote of comforting summer fruits combined with good acidity. Saturates and fills the palate.

Mouthfeel: Round, supple tannins combine with focused acidity to create an immersive texture. Rich and impactful. Enveloping.

“Bud break, flowering and veraison all took place without drama or concern, and the theme of moderation continued as the clusters ripened on the vine.”

INAUGURAL VINTAGE

We’ve been keenly anticipating the first wines from Bootlegger’s ever since starting to develop the site. It is rewarding to be able to taste the fruits of our labor and exciting to be finally able to share them with those who shared our enthusiasm. Subsequent vintages should bear better yields so that we have more to share.

TECHNICAL DATA

Harvest Dates: 9/12/13 till 10/11/13
Clones: 23, 37, 115, Calera, CC, Elite, Pommard
Alcohol: 14.5%    pH: 3.6    Acidity: 5.8
Production: 694 c/s    Yield per acre: 1.2 tons