Product Description
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Alexander Valley Vineyard, Estate, Pinot Noir, 2023, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California, America
Producer Profile
After purchasing the historic Cyrus Alexander homestead, Harry and Maggie Wetzel strived to create a thriving agricultural lifestyle on the property. They raised their children along with their vines in Alexander Valley, providing inspiration and encouragement as they developed the estate together.
Decades later, the fourth generation of their family is growing up amongst vineyards and next door to the working winery that is known around the world as “AVV”. You could call it a family tradition. The Wetzel Family would be inclined to agree.
Winemaker Kevin Hall is constantly adapting to the rhythms of nature, the readiness of the vineyards and the evolution of the individual wines. While their vineyards provide the sense of terroir and consistent character of fruit, the winemaking staff provide the invaluable experience. Their work is constant and crucial; topping up the barrels to minimize air contact as they develop, monitoring and measuring the young wines as they progress, and tasting, tasting, tasting. Decades of experience tying vineyard and winery together give AVV total control of wine production, resulting in rich, complex wines that showcase a truly robust sense of place.
Viticulture
The Wetzel Family’s Pinot Noir vineyards are planted along the banks of the Russian River, where the morning fog lingers and cools the vines. This elegant wine is produced from three clones – Dijon 777, for rich concentration and black fruit; Dijon 115, for soft tannins and perfume; Pommard for colour and dark fruit; and 828 widely reputed to be progeny of a suitcase cutting from the famed La Tâche vineyard, for deep colour and black fruits.
2023 began with heavy winter rainfall that delivered much needed moisture to the vines, followed by a long, cool growing season. The Pinot Noir harvest occurred about one month later than prior years, but the long hang time allowed for the development of rich flavours. At harvest, the quality of the fruit was excellent with balanced acidity and intense flavours.
Winemaking
After the fruit was hand-harvested each lot was kept separate. The majority of the fruit underwent a 48-hour cold soak and was tank fermented, while winemaker Kevin Hall placed a small portion of the fruit in bins and mixed in dry ice for the first day in a technique known as cryoextraction. The dry ice fractured the grape skins, leading to deeper flavour and colour extraction from the fruit. Fermentation was completed in half-ton macro-bins. Eleven months aging in French oak barrels complemented the silky texture of the wine.
Tasting Note
This Pinot Noir is classically styled. Smooth texture and good acidity balance the solid core of fruit. Perfumed aromas of red and black cherry, plum, vanilla, and oak fill the glass. This silky, earthy wine has loads of finesse and flavours of fresh cherry, blueberry, plum, barrel spice, a hint of vanilla and slight floral notes. This is a bottle of Pinot Noir with the flavour profile and terroir expression of classic Burgundy at a bottle price you can enjoy everyday.
Goes well with
The 2023 Alexander Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir is an elegant, silky wine with bright red fruit, subtle spice, and gentle oak. It pairs perfectly with earthy flavours, light meats, and oily fish. Top choices include roasted duck, cedar-plank salmon or a mushroom risotto.
Cellaring
3 – 5 years with careful cellaring.
Don’t just take our word for it…
“Bright and focused, with aromas of red cherries, cranberries and subtle spices. The Palate is mid-weighted with crunchy tannins and a fresh, rounded finish. Shows the coolness of the vintage. Drink or hold.” 91 POINTS – James Suckling
Features
Varieties: Pinot Noir 100%
Colour: Red
ABV: 14%
Closure: Natural cork
Style: Still
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: America
Region: Sonoma, California
Vintage: 2023
