2021 FEL Pinot Noir, Wendling Vineyard
available
Aromas of black cherry, toast, and cola practically explode from the glass of this intensely aromatic wine. Dark plum, pomegranate, and cassis mingle with Spanish cedar, cigar box, and espresso, developing further as wine sits in the glass.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Anderson Valley
Vineyard Designation
Wendling Vineyard
Aging
Sixteen months in French Oak
Bottling Date
February 2023
Alcohol %
13.7
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
Wendling Vineyard is owned and farmed by Paul Ardzrooni, whose vineyard management company farms many of the most acclaimed vineyards in Anderson Valley including the Savoy Vineyard. Located in the deepest end of the “Deep End,” Wendling is the last vineyard before the valley closes and the Navarro River meanders a last few miles to the Mendocino Coast. Perched on a steep east facing hillside that protects the vines from the relentless cooling of the ocean’s onshore. Wendling is a meticulously farmed vineyard and produces wines of great depth and concentration. This wine is made of a blend of clones including several Dijon selections, Pommard, and a Selection Massale of cuttings recently brought over from Burgundy.
Production Notes
The fruit was harvested on September 11th at 24.3 Brix. It then went through a five-day cold soak at 50°F, a seven-day primary fermentation, peaking at 90°F, and was pressed at dryness. The wine was aged sixteen months in 60-gallon French oak barrels. This vintage marks a transition away from the use of new barrels on our vineyard-designated wines, which we hope will lend greater focus on the terroir of the sites we love.
Winemaker Notes
Aromas of black cherry, toast, and cola practically explode from the glass of this intensely aromatic wine. Dark plum, pomegranate, and cassis mingle with Spanish cedar, cigar box, and espresso, developing further as wine sits in the glass. On the palate, black cherry is in the forefront once again, complemented by layers of kirsch, toast, and Christmas spices. Wendling Vineyard historically produces our most structured Pinot Noir, and this year is no exception. The fine-grained tannins create a rich mouthfeel and indicate that this wine will age gracefully for many years to come.