2018 Stiling Vineyard

Pinot Noir

RUSSIAN RIVERsonoma county

ALLOCATION LIST: $49.50
RETAIL: $55.00

—  SOLD OUT —

What a year for Stiling! Gorgeously ripened fruit combined with a perfect, pinpoint sense of freshness and vitality make this one of our hands-down favorite vintages of Stiling Pinot ever. Classic, full-throttle Russian River Pinot character with an energy level akin to fruit from the true Sonoma Coast. Absolute truckloads of creamy red strawberry heightened by the sweet baking spice calling card of the vineyard (clove, nutmeg, cardamom). In lock-step with our other 2018 EK Pinots, Stiling comes across as quite complete even on release. But as is always the case, it will only get better with a bit more time in the cellar.

As is our habit, we fermented the blocks of fruit separately (employing a bit of whole cluster for structure and complexity) and aged the juice in new puncheon from two different French coopers. We’ve become smitten with these oversized barrels and feel their influence on the wine (even when new) is far gentler that with standard sized barriques.

By sheer force of personality, Stiling never fails to charm, but this year takes it to a new level. Fair warning: There’s quite a bit less to go around these days, so sock some away right now while you can to enjoy all its future glory.

DRINKING WINDOWS

Prime drinking: Late 2020 through 2028
Graceful ageability: 2029+

VINEYARDS

Stiling

CLONES

100% Swan

STATS

pH: 3.69 |  TA: 6.0 | Alcohol: 14.7%
Bottling: December 10, 2019 | Release: Fall 2020
Cases Produced: 121

<< previous  |  next >>