Belle Glos "Taylor Lane" 2011

At less than six miles from the Pacific Ocean and subject to sometimes ruthless fog and winds, the Taylor Lane Vineyard can make growing grapes an act of faith. To achieve full maturity at such an intensely coastal site, we paired the early-ripening Dijon clones 113, 114, 115 and 777 with an adapted traditional Italian trellis system that carries the vine shoots across a nearly horizontal canopy, allowing the shoot growth to lay flat. The trellis acts as a solar panel for maximum control of ripening and permits dappled sunlight throughout the day and excellent air circulation to the fruit; its height also lets us graze sheep for weed control without any damage to the vines or fruit. Dark violet to ruby red in color this pinot noir has aromas of Bing cherry, bla ckberry, pepper, tobacco, and forest floor on the nose. Flavors of cherry, apple, and blackberry are balanced with pleasant acidity and nice minerality resulting in excellent depth and concentration that lingers through to the silky, smooth, and supple finish. This wine tastes great now until 2028.