Farm Cottage 2021 Pinot Noir, Trout Gulch Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains

Planted in 1980, this 16 acre dry-farmed vineyard sits at 750 feet above sea level and has well-draining sandy loam soil. The vineyard is planted to Mt Eden Pinot Noir. Its proximity to the sea (less than 4 miles inland) assures the grapes receive the cooling influence of the Monterey Bay.

Harvested on 10/4/21, Trout Gulch Pinot Noir was fermented 100% whole cluster in an open top stainless steel tank. The tank was pitched with a natural pied de cuve on day 2. Gravity rack and returns were performed twice a day to keep the clusters wet and fermentation temperatures cycling through the tank. The tank was pressed after 9 days and aged in neutral french oak. Trout Gulch Pinot Noir was bottled on 8/15/22.

Cooler climate Pinot Noir with maritime influence gives is a light body Pinot Noir with darker rich cherry notes on the nose with a hint of pepper spice but soft easy tannin. This wine is an invitation to a tri-tip dinner. Hints of pepper on the finish with bright cherry fruit.