The Barrel Climber wines are always an exercise in selection and often in blending. Over the course of the year, certain barrels speak up and become obvious contenders as potential pieces of a greater puzzle. Interestingly (frustratingly?) the components are pretty much different every year! The real challenge is finding not only the most distinctive barrels but the ones that will work together to create something amazing.
In 2018, Cleary Ranch and Grand Vent vineyards decided to be outstanding dance partners and the result is a not only your typically racy, vivid Sonoma Coast Pinot but one with an extra layer of turbocharged juicy and downright succulent red fruit.
Cleary brings the lifted, high-toned red fruit, bay leaf and peppery aromatics while Grand Vent lends the deeper, darker cherry and plum with the merest touch of clean pipe tobacco on the finish. Avoiding the brainy austerity that sometimes comes with cool climate Pinot, we get a wine that is precise and elegant and well, absolutely delicious!
While immediately accessible (and modest in alcohol) don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just a near-term drinker. There’s an impressive amount of structure here combined with copious amounts of fruit and spice to ensure a long and remarkable cellar life ahead.
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: Late 2020 through 2028 Graceful ageability: 2029+
VINEYARDS
52% Grand Vent, 48% Cleary Ranch
CLONES
48% 115, 27% 667, 25% Pommard
STATS
pH: 3.47 | TA: 6.2 | Alcohol: 13.6% Bottling: December 10, 2019 | Release: Fall 2020 Cases Produced: 42
Direct sales are allocated exclusively to EK Allocation List members at a 10% discount. Orders of 6+ bottles save an additional 50% off shipping. New releases ship twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Join EK Allocation List
CUSTOMIZED ALLOCATIONS
You may customize your spring and fall allocations any way you like, from 0–12 bottles of each wine. (Small-lot and list-only wines will have lower limits.) To modify your allocations, click on MY ALLOCATION above. Join EK Allocation List
REORDERS
Wines often sell out at or close to release, so we encourage making the most of your spring and fall allocations. As long as wine remains, you are welcome to reorder online through our EK Special Order store. Or contact John Gillis at john@erickentwines.com or 415.244.9453.
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