Wine Nickname
“Blanc Spot”
Terroir
County: Mendocino.
Appellation: Mendocino.
Site Specifics: The vineyard is located just northeast of Hopland at an elevation of 503 feet. The Pinot Blanc vines are planted on a relatively flat terrain in sandy riverbed soil with cobbles. The vines, planted on AXR-1 rootstock, are more than 30 years old and are organically farmed. Because of their age the vines yield small amounts of concentrated fruit.
Color and Aroma
The color is a pale yellow. The aromatics include tropical fruit, melon and flowers.
Flavor Profile
Guava and apricot, with bright acidity and a distinct steel and mineral character.
Technique
We used traditional Alsace techniques to create the wine, whole cluster pressing and sending it direct to stainless tank with the heavy solids. The natural fermentation was slow and steady, lasting three weeks with a maximum temperature of 77°F. We then allowed the wine to go through natural malolactic fermentation and remain sur-lees in stainless steel for seven months. As always, we added nothing to the wine except a small amount of SO2 before bottling it in April 2007, unfiltered and unfined.
Geek Info
TA: 7.3 g/L
Brix: 23.9
Residual
sugar: 0.00%
Alcohol 13.5%
Cases produced: 823
Awards/Recognition
88 - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
"Pinot Blanc doesn't have much of an identity in California, but a wine like this advances the cause. Imagine the richness of Chardonnay's peach and pineapple flavors. Add a nutty, hazelnut quality and a tartness suggesting lime zest. That's what you get in this food friendly, affordable wine."
