2017 West Block Pinot Noir

2017 started sluggishly, with some wet weather lingering into April. As Summer set in, the vintage began to develop into a stunner. Long, dry, warm days with cool nights, well into September, brought a vintage that had the chance to be exceptional. We thinned rather extensively at the Estate to promote even ripeness and developed clusters, and the results made that decision seem eerily prescient.

The predominant south to southwestern exposure and steep slope of this most western block at the Estate is defined by its exposure to the afternoon sun and warmer temperatures. This special wine illustrates the impact of aspect on Pinot Noir, resulting in wines with structure, depth and power.

The 2017 West Block plays exactly to type. Our more muscular and brooding vineyard expression (think Tom Hardy as Hamlet), this version has a nose replete with purple fruit,
autumn spices, and dried flowers, with a vein of sandalwood or something exotic. The palate is firm with tannin, but also nimble enough to hit a backhand on the run. Layered, and textured, one will find nuance to explore for an easy 12 years.