Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

The Hallberg Vineyard is located in the Green Valley AVA. This cooler sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley benefits from refreshing daytime breezes and cool, but not cold, nighttime temperatures. Additionally, a strong marine-influenced climate results in smaller diurnal fluctuations (less severe temperature change from day to night and warmer nighttime temperatures) that provides an ideal ripening environment. The soils in this vineyard are Goldridge series sand loam soils that exhibit excellent drainage and low soil fertility, serving to keep vines low in vigor. The use of high density vine spacing (1x2m) promotes excellent vine balance and development of grape flavors, structure, and concentration. Lastly, this vineyard is dry farmed so that the vines are more naturally in balance, creating a wine with a pure expression of this unique terroir.

Grapes were harvested in the morning hours then brought to the winery. After hand sorting, some of the grapes were de-stemmed, then transferred to open-top tanks while a small percentage of the fruit was added later as whole clusters. The juice was chilled to 45°F and allowed to cold soak for 4-7 days before fermentation. During fermentation, the cap was gently punched down 2-3 times per day. After fermentation, the new wine and its solids sat in tank for 7-10 days of extended maceration, a period during which the tannins soften and the primary fermentation esters develop complexity. The wine was then gently pressed off the skins and seeds, inoculated for malolactic fermentation and racked into 40% new French oak barrels (light and medium toast François Frères, Ana Selection, Remond and Tonnellerie O) for 15 months of barrel aging on primary lees.

After several years of drought, heat and early harvests, 2018 was a breath of fresh air and a return to a more normal harvest onset. The season began with a cold, wet winter, which set the pace in that it delayed vine development by 3-4 weeks. Budbreak began mid to late March, followed by a mild, sunny spring. When bloom ensued in mid to late May, the weather was just right, with very
little wind and no rain to damage the delicate flowers. When growers saw the generous potential
cluster count after flowering, they knew it was going to be an ample crop. The nearly perfect weather throughout the summer months led to a very large, yet excellent quality crop. The month of August yielded typical, foggy mornings, with sun finally breaking through late morning and vanishing again late afternoon. Harvest commenced on August 30th and we were finished by September 29th, just before the rain came. Despite the quantity of clusters per vine, flavor, concentration and tannin levels were quite excellent. Canopy management was extremely important in that fruit thinning was necessary at multiple stages of vine development.

Exceptionally fresh and vibrant, this Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir is a beautiful expression of Russian River Valley fruit. Baskets of just picked black cherries adorned with garlands of roses and violets sweep you away to warm summer days in the valley. Farmer’s market strawberry preserves and cinnamon scones beckon for a longer walk. Mounds of winter citrus arranged upon a platter of wet slate lend zestiness to the palate that is framed with an essence of sweet cedar, nutmeg, and cloves. – Winemaker Theresa Heredia