2017 Black Road Pinot Noir

Russian River Valley

THE VINEYARD
Likely no one has cultivated more Russian River Valley vineyards than Jim Pratt, who built his reputation by perfectly matching Pinot Noir clones to site. Split equally between plantings of clone 114 and 115, this vineyard represents the culmination of his over 30 year winegrowing career. Clone 114 is soft and forward with a lovely texture and Clone 115 contributes aromatics and structure for good cellaring potential; these Dijon Clones are a winning combination. La Follette is the exclusive producer of this single-vineyard Pinot Noir, and 2017 Black Road Pinot Noir is the debut vintage.

SENSORY NOTES
Aromas of raspberry, musk, and cocoa with earthy complexity. Juicy red currant entry leads to a fine structure of wet-stone minerality and firm, age-worthy tannins. A burst of late-palate acidity refreshes the palate before a rich, perfumed finish. True to its region, this Russian River Valley Pinot Noir offers layered aromatics and a core of red fruit.

93 points, Wine Advocate

100% Pinot Noir | 64% Clone 114, 36% Clone 115

Harvest: First pick of the harvest on 8/31/17

Fermentation: all native primary and secondary ferments, matured in barrel, 27% new oak (4 out 15 barrels)

Alc. 14.1% | 364 cases produced