Belle Glos 2017 Dairyman Pinot Noir

Once a dairy farm and pastureland, this vineyard has realized its greatest potential as a prime, virgin Pinot Noir vineyard. It was first planted in 2000 to a mix of Dijon clones 115, 667, and 777, all grafted on low-vigor rootstock 101-14. We have been working with this vineyard since 2003 and have always been impressed by the quality of the Pinot Noir it produces. Dairyman sits in the southern alluvial plains of the Russian River Valley near the ocean, a region where cooling fog comes in through the Petaluma Gap in the morning and once again in the evening. Afternoon breezes help to soften the effects of the warm sun. In Dairyman, each vine has been trained up on a vertical shoot position (VSP) trellis, which both limits the growth and opens up the typically congested fruit zone. The combination of low-vigor rootstock and alluvial soil stress the vines, while the cool, coastal climate creates a long growing season that brings about small, concentrated, and flavorful berries.

Alcohol: 14.6%

90 POINTS - "The 2017 Belle Glos Dairyman Pinot Noir is an excellent bridge example of this grape variety. This wine is smooth, easy, and delicious. Its aromas and flavors of candied berries combined with its soft textures should pair well with an oven-baked, pineapple-accented, and clove-studded ham shoulder." - Wilfred Wong