Ernest Vineyards 2018 The Wrangler Pinot

In 2012, Their consultant winemaker, Kent, introduced them the owner of the 15-acre Clary Ranch / Grand Vent vineyard planted to Pinot Noir and Syrah that just so happens to be surrounded by their 115 acre horse ranch. What else were they going to call the wine made from this fruit but “The Wrangler”!

Wind dictates everything at this 15-acre vineyard in Sonoma County. The parcel sits in the mouth of the Petaluma Gap, where a blend of unique terroir, cool climate, and consistent wind yields long hang times that allow flavors to mature slowly and steadily. The majority of the vineyard is Pinot Noir with clones of Pommard 4, Dijon 113, and 667. In his book, A New California Wine, Jon Bonne describes the vineyard as “perhaps the most challenging vineyards [in all of California].” Considering the intense flavors of the grapes from this location, we’re happy to take on the challenge of working with grapes farmed from here.

Alcohol: 12.3%

93 POINTS - "The 2018 Pinot Noir The Wrangler Grand Vent Vineyard is a fabulous wine that captures all of the elements that make the Ernest wines so appealing. A burst of sweet red berry fruit, sage, orange peel and mint give the 2018 its effusive aromatics and breadth. Vivid, translucent and exceptionally beautiful, the 2018 has a lot to offer. As always, this is a taut, decidedly nervy style. The 80% whole clusters are very nicely balanced." - Vinous

Dynamic garnet with subtle brick red edges. Tremendously expressive of wild berry, hibiscus, red plum, thyme, saddle leather, and wet earth aromatically. Assertive, but ripe, tannins with fresh acidity and sour fruit like unripe strawberry, rhubarb, and dried cranberry define a sturdy, yet bright, texture.