Nearly ideal growing conditions in 2012 hinted at the potential for something special from the cool-climate vineyards that make up the cornerstones of this blend. Warm and dry weather, with few if any heat spikes, helped things ripen at a steady, even pace and the resulting fruit was both pristine and bountiful. Once in the winery, we had a strong feeling from early on that we were going to be extremely excited when it came time to craft the final wine. Now that all the components have been blended and bottled, we are thrilled to report that it’s even better than we hoped!Our signature Small Town aromas are exuberant and robust, exhibiting Bing cherry and seemingly endless waves of creamy raspberry wrapped in savory herbs and spices. The palate follows through with deep, persistent flavors, lively Sonoma Coast acidity and a clarity of fruit that is downright inspiring. We’re especially taken by the 2012’s overall seamlessness and harmony at such an early stage in its evolution. No awkward knees or elbows here, and once again our most savory Pinot Noir that truly honors its wonderful cool-climate roots.
Although it’s one of the richer renditions of our Small Town bottling, the wine remains precise and poised, with a structure that will offer many years of happy returns down the road. Providing immense pleasure early, we believe (as usual) that proper cellaring and some patience will be rewarded with even further refinement and a silky texture that can only come with a few years in bottle.
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: late 2014 through 2018 Graceful ageability: 2019+
VINEYARDS
44% Cleary Ranch & Michael Valentine, 31% Grand Vent, 13% Stiling, 12% Roberts Road
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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