Our most recent Barrel Climber bottling captures the essence of what this series is all about – time and care getting to know every barrel we produce, combined with the desire to make something new, wonderful and unexpected to offer alongside our old favorites. Two barrels of 2013 Pinot Noir – from two vineyard blocks we had never combined before – grabbed our attention so much they practically begged us to try them together. It only took one trial blend to realize this was a special match indeed!Fruit from Robert’s Road in the Petaluma Gap (the base of our Sascha Marie Pinot) and our favorite block at Cleary Ranch in Freestone (the heart and soul of our Small Town Pinot) came together to produce a wine with tremendous synergy and a fascinating range of flavors. The first lot brings weight and black fruit overtones while the latter lifts the aromatics with a spicy, savory backbone and great vitality. Adding extra polish and depth, 50% of the wine was aged in a new proprietary “reserve” barrel from one of our favorite French coopers offering subtle and harmonious support perfectly integrated into the blend.
Captivating nuance, dramatic depth, with a generous satin texture, dark fruits and exotic mocha/spice accents, this is a “wow” wine. Obviously we are quite smitten with this micro cuvee (45 cases) and cannot wait to share it with you. That said, it merits a year in the cellar to begin to reveal all its character in full glory. So be patient if you can; it will be worth the wait!
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: late 2016 through 2019Graceful ageability: 2020+
VINEYARDS
50% Roberts Road, 50% V-C Ranch
CLONES
50% Pommard, 25% Swan, 25% 777
STATS
pH: 3.65 | TA: 6 g/L | Alcohol: 14.1% Bottling: December 8, 2014 | Release: Fall 2015 Cases Produced: 5 Six Packs
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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