As would be expected from a warm year, especially one with a small crop, the 2016 wines offer plenty of intensely concentrated forward fruit flavors and aromas. Yet they somehow retain an underlying freshness and sense of balance. They are ripe, compelling wines that are a delight now, and will gain complexity as they shed their “baby fat” with some time in the cellar. The grapes come from 6 of our 8 blocks of Pinot nor, planted between 1994 and 1999. This year’s rendition leans heavily on the Dijon clones (primarily 115 and 114) with about 25% of the “old school” Wadensvil and Pommard selections. 

True to it’s Yamhill-Carlton appellation, the wine shows ripe blueberry and blackberry flavors and aromas, with a hint of licorice and violets. A high single digit dose of whole clusters (about 8%) contributes aromatic nuance and textural complexity, making this one of the most intriguing renditions or our flagship estate Pinot to date! Enjoy now and over the next dozen years with rich dishes featuring wild mushrooms, big birds, or small mammals.