Winter Release Flax Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir
2020

Winemaker’s Notes

Our 2020 Flax Estate Pinot is the finest wine we’ve made from this site since leasing the property and taking control of the farming in 2017, and it makes a strong claim for the title of Pinot-of-the-vintage. The wine is full of classic black cherry intensity with a typical iron/ferrous edge that reflects the dark red friable clay soils in which the vines are deeply rooted. These mature vines produced a moderate crop which ripened early in this steep hillside vineyard that overlooks the Russian River itself. The site benefits greatly from the gentle humidity that rises from the river which brings a refinement to the wine’s sleek fruit profile and silky tannin structure. There’s a lot of pedigree in this bottling.

The wine’s aromas are driven by dark ripe summer berries with Asian spice, anise, and red licorice. The wine starts out bright and spicy then darkens to show a sleek core of dark cherry fruit. The flavors are deep and expansive with a complex woodsy/underbrushy edge. Despite the wine’s broad texture, it remains a featherweight—supple, succulent, and refined with beautifully silky tannins. The long finish is pure, gentle, and enveloping. Drink between late-2022 and 2030 and serve at 60F.

Andy Smith