2012 Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir

The 2012 Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir is the eleventh vintage we've made of this wine, and it's the first time since 2006 when we've seen a normal crop level.  Everything that could have gone right with the 2012 growing season did go right, no complaints at all!

We have been working with three sections of Rosella's Vineyard the past 6 years, all on the western half of the vineyard.  The Dijon clone 113 vines are some of the original 1996 plantings at Rosella's.  It's a small block, protected by the wind, and it's always among the first to ripen.  We ferment the 113 in the traditional, whole cluster fashion.  This adds structure and an herbed spiciness to the wine.  Dijon clone 667 gives the August West Rosella's its bright and berry fruitiness, and could be a standalone clone, if there were enough of it.  The largest component of our Rosella's is the Pisoni selection.  The Pisoni gives the wine its earthy and savory flavors, as well as some tannin and plenty of acidity.

August West's 2012 Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir will be a long aging wine, similar to the 2007, but it is drinking so well early, like the 2004.  The intriguing nose of Santa Lucia Highlands spices, root beer, and tar is followed by a berry-filled palate with ample acidity.  We predict it should age well through 2024.

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