2018 Perry Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir (1 x 750 ml)

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The Davies family of Schramsberg Vineyards and Davies Vineyards in the Napa Valley is pleased to release the first bottling of their Perry Ranch Pinot Noir. The family's experience with Pinot Noir dates back to 1967, when Jack and Jamie Davies first used this elegant red varietal to make their inaugural vintage of Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine. Over 53 years following that first use, Schramsberg's winemakers have built long-lasting relationships with some of the best Pinot Noir growers in the North Coast. Developing upon this passion, history, and experience, second-generation Vintner Hugh Davies and Director of Winemaking Sean Thompson are proud to present this delicious vineyard-designate Pinot Noir wine from the 2018 vintage.

This wine is crafted from the Perry Ranch Vineyard, one of three vineyards formerly and collectively known as Keefer Ranch. Perry Ranch, farmed by the Dutton Family, is in the headwaters of Green Valley Creek, on a gently sloping, well-drained, south-facing exposure. The vineyard offers fruit that profits from a long, cool hang time resulting in outstanding color and extraction. Green Valley is one of the smallest appellations in Sonoma County and lies within the southwestern part of the Russian River Valley appellation. Green Valley is consistent in terms of soil, climate and flavor characteristics. It is the first place where the fog comes in and the last place where it burns off, making it the coolest, foggiest part of the Russian River Valley. The predominant soil type of Green Valley is Goldridge loam, noted for producing high quality Pinot Noir grapes. This wine exhibits the classic flavor profile of Green Valley: ripe cherry and cranberry fruit, spice, lively acidity, soft tannins, supple texture, and beautiful structure.

The long growing season in 2018 revealed a vintage with structure and concentration without being overripe. Despite a warm February, the growing season started off cooler than the past few vintages. A cool spring meant bloom lasted longer than usual, which resulted in a bountiful crop. Summer temperatures were moderate with fewer heat spikes than in recent years. Veraison started later as well, and as a result, harvest started two to three weeks later than in recent years. The result was fruit exhibiting fully mature, sweet tannins, with outstanding color and brightness.

Tasting notes

The 2018 Perry Ranch Pinot Noir has pleasant aromas of brambly raspberry, bright cherry, coriander and dried orange peel. The palate combines a juicy entry of strawberry and pomegranate layered on the backbone of tangy cranberry with a clean bright acidity.- Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies

Reviews

92 Points
Perry Ranch was part of what was formerly known as Keefer Ranch and is farmed by the Dutton family. Light flecks of black tea and forest floor highlight a nuanced body of soft, supple tannin and texture, giving it a fresh plushness that appeals. Lively flavors of cranberry, orange and strawberry contribute balanced richness.- Wine Enthusiast (May 2021)
91 Points
Slightly lighter and inclining a bit more to delicacy than most of its mates from Davies on first impression yet conveying a fine sense of fruity depth from start to finish, this carefully balanced, very continuous Pinot builds in richness as its neatly integrated flavors of cherries, raspberries and sweet oak unfold and does so with considerable grace. It is an eloquent and confident look at the grape that hits all of the right varietal marks without needlessly raising its voice, and, while admittedly a wine of enormous charm even now, it is also one that should show more detail and discreet layering if allowed a few more years of rest in the cellar.- Connoisseurs Guide to California Wine (February 2021)
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