A wet winter and spring in 2011 were followed by one of the cooler growing seasons on record in Northern California. One result was cool-climate pinot noir grapes with low sugars, high acids and plenty of flavor and verve. Another result was the lowest yields we’ve ever experienced at each and every pinot source we have. Sadly, we did not get enough fruit to put together a proper 2011 Sascha Marie. But being optimists, we chose to focus on the upside -- what little fruit we did get from those sites went into making our 2011 Small Town the vibrant, layered and wonderfully complete wine it is.Showcasing its signature savory spice and herbs in both aroma and flavor, an alluring combination of nutmeg, clove and allspice add a dimension that almost brings gingerbread to mind. Then bright red fruit -- cranberry, red raspberry, plum and rhubarb pie are all buoyed by lively acidity through a long and pure finish to complete the package. We are delighted with the texture and body already and look forward to watching the wine evolve over the next 4-6 years.
If you've enjoyed our Small Town before, but lament the absence of a 2011 Sascha Marie, give this bottling 9 -12 months in your cellar and see what you think. We suspect you’ll be mighty pleased. (Side note: It looks as though Sascha Marie will make a glorious return in 2012, so stay tuned!)
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: late 2013 through 2017 Graceful ageability: 2018+
VINEYARDS
38% Cleary Ranch & Michael Valentine, 23% Roberts Road, 23% Kiser / Vella, 16% Stiling
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.
sonoma county
