2018 Sawyer Lindquist Pinot Noir

2018 was a long, cool vintage in Edna Valley. The wines from this vintage have beautiful balance and this is a great example.

This Pinot Noir is made from three different clones, 115, 667 & 777. The grapes were harvested on September 5. The crop levels were small and of the highest quality.

The wine was fermented with 25% whole clusters, in small open top fermenters and punched down by hand twice a day. After primary fermentation, the wine was aged in one third new, one third one-year old barrels and one third two-year old Francoise Fréres French oak barrels for 16 months.

This Pinot Noir has has a silky mouth-feel with pure fruit. It’s well structured, showing wild cherry and raspberry flavors, layered notes of tea, thyme, hints of black tea and sage. Framed with white stone minerals.

266 6-packs produced.

*92 points The 2018 Pinot Noir Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard is redolent of spice, orange zest, red cherry, mint and sweet pipe tobacco. This understated, nuanced Pinot has a ton to offer. It shows lovely brightness and purity to match its elegant, mid-weight frame. The 30% whole clusters add lovely savoriness and earthiness.

-- Antonio Galloni