2012 Redding Ranch Brut Marin County (1 x 750 ml)

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This vineyard-designated brut is remarkable to us in several ways. It is made from 100% Pinot Noir, the only sparkling wine that we can find in our records that is made solely from Pinot Noir. Historically, a touch of Chardonnay has been part of the blend in our Reserve and Blanc de Noirs offerings, providing a bit of zip of acidity and zest on the palate that added complexity. But, with this wine, we felt the purity of fruitful expression from this site was too delicious all by itself.

Some of our very finest Pinot Noir has come to us from the Redding Ranch vineyard since 2010. The Lawrence McNeil family, part of the initial Schramsberg Vineyards Company shareholder group going back to 1965 and dear family friends dating back more than 60 years, developed this low-yielding, 20-acre site in 1999. The property itself has been in their family since 1862, the same year that the Schrams started here on Diamond Mountain in Napa Valley. Located at between 800-1,000 feet on a west-facing slope in northwest Marin County above the town of Nicasio, these vines struggle to grow in the cool, coastal air, yet they consistently produce delicious small-berried, hand-sized clusters. Marin County is bordered on three sides by water: the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Bay and the San Pablo Bay. This marine influence keeps summer temperatures moderately cool during the hottest part of the day, affording a slower ripening of the fruit and longer development on the vine. The Marin fruit retains outstanding acid and superb structure, while building up delicious flavors and ripeness.

With over four years of aging en tirage, this vibrant and complex wine combines a rich texture with excellent drive on the palate. This bright, crisp sparkler will age beautifully over the next 20+ years, developing attractive caramelized, nutty and toasted flavors and aromas. Made in limited quantities, our winemaking team is very excited to release this sparkling wine.

Tasting notes

The Redding Ranch has rich aromas of apricot and orange zest, as well as honey, hazelnut and puff pastry. The flavors are equally as generous with a mix of peach, candied orange and lemon peel, with almond, pecan and butterscotch undertones. The palate is delicious and coating on entry with a refreshing, balanced acidity.- Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies

Reviews

90 Points
Vibrant and steely, with pinpoint acidity paired with delicate lime, yeast and fresh ginger accents. Drink now.- Wine Spectator (July 2018)
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