Within the micro-climates of the Western Sonoma Coast, you’ll find large variations from vineyard to vineyard, even amongst parcels planted next to one another. Soil, exposure, clonal selections and elevation all make their mark on the character of the fruit.
A tiny block from Rayhill Vineyard was originally destined to be part of our Small Town Pinot in 2014. Once harvested and fermented, it became clear the fruit had other ideas. Sampled from barrel early on, the young wine displayed a uniquely earthy/spicy/forest floor quality and simply wasn’t happy sharing its talents with the other Small Town players. Try as we might to blend this lot, the wine just wanted to be on its own. Utterly explosive on the nose, this beguiling Pinot turns from aromas of bright, spicy raspberry and red cherry to darker black fruits wound with exotic spice, smoke and earth notes. Sweet pipe tobacco, cinnamon and clove carry throughout.
Following right in step with the aromas, the palate adds plenty of fine tannins, more smoky goodness and a surprising twist of black pepper on the end. As we sat around last month sampling this wine on a beautiful Sonoma afternoon, the word we kept coming back to was “ethereal.” More savory and minerally than typical CA Pinot, this is really geeky stuff, so naturally we love it. (If you hadn’t noticed, we’re a bunch of geeks.) We’re sure that many of you will love it too.
Please take note: The 2014 Barrel Climber Pinot is pretty far off the traditional EK path. It’s lighter-bodied and less overtly fruity than many, but its delicacy and nuance have a distinct power all their own. We’re relishing the road less traveled here and are super excited to share it with those of you interested in this style of wine.
We highly recommend cellaring this youngster for a few years to let it further develop. Our patience has been gloriously rewarded so far and we know this wine’s journey has just begun.
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: late 2017 through 2021 Graceful ageability: 2022 through 2024
VINEYARDS
100% Rayhill
CLONES
100% 828
STATS
pH: 3.65 | TA: 6.0 g/L | Alcohol: 13.9% Bottling: November 24, 2015 | Release: Fall 2016 Cases Produced: 79
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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