***THIS PINOT NOIR IS A VINTNER'S COLLECTIVE EXCLUSIVE!!!***

This vineyard sits on an eastward-facing hillside in the Sonoma Valley. The soils are an austere blend of loam, shale, and marine sediments. The site is relatively cool and enjoys consistent cooling currents moving through the Petaluma Gap. This is an experimental block for Ancien, planted entirely to Dijon clone 777. Typically, this Dijon clone produces juicy, voluptuous wines. Ken and his team at Ancien appreciate the way that these difficult soils balance the generosity of the fruit with a layered finish and structured palate.

Tasting notes from Winemaker & Proprietor Ken Bernards: “The nose is round and rich, full of ripe and dried cherries, cassis, and plums. Dried roses, dried mint, and fruit zest combine with a whiff of pipe tobacco, sweet cedar and oak. The palate opens to bright summer cherries and strawberries, growing into a ripe mid-palate of baked cherry and plum pie. A strong uplift of acidity, moving into a lingering finish of fine-grained tannins, dried cranberries, cocoa and roasted nuts.”

Total Production: 60 Cases

Aging Potential: 3-8 years