Devona - 2017 Pinot Noir | Mount Richmond Vineyard
We ferment the clones separately from each other and then carefully blend them later. Clone 115 is generally more tannic, and we are careful not get too much extraction, which would emphasize this. The fruit from Mount Richmond is always deep, dark, and dense, in comparison to the flavor profile of fruit from Freedom Hill Vineyard, which is generally pretty and elegant. Dark fruit and cassis aromas mesh with dried herbs and mineral characters. A touch of forest floor and leather blend nicely with dried fruits. The mouthfeel is creamy and round, with a long and balanced finish. The 2017 vintage reminds me a lot of the old-school vintages of the mid and late 1980s.
It is interesting to note that both the Mt. Richmond and Freedom Hill pinots are the same two clones, with the Pommard being the dominant piece in both. Pommard tends to show a pure dark fruit, while Clone 115 is one of the few stand-alone Dijon clones, and it has a distinct profile that features bright red fruit and spice.
There is a lot going on in this wine, so the music pairing needs to be diverse, too. I am going to start with U2’s One, then move to No Doubt’s Don’t Speak and then calm it down for the finish with Buck Owens’ I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail. I know it might seem strange but it will work well as the wine opens up in the glass! John Abbott – Winemaker
John Abbott – Winemaker