2007 Double L Vineyard Hat Trick Pinot Noir

Our Double L estate in the northern part of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation is widely regarded as one of the best vineyards for growing world-class Pinot Noir. Planted on east facing terraces overlooking the Salinas River Valley, the north-south vineyard row orientation provides optimum sun exposure and access to the strong afternoon breezes. The winds moderate the afternoon temperature, thickening the grape skins and concentrating flavors. The vineyard has been Certified Organic since 2002 and remains the only such vineyard in the appellation.

Although 2007 was typically cool and windy, this vintage shows a lot of intensity due to high stress on the vines from a dry winter preceding a cold, wet spring. The outcome was a 40% decrease in crop, further focusing flavor and acidity.

After de-stemming, primary fermentation, primarily whole-berry, was conducted using Assmannhausen yeast in open top fermenters. We utilize manual punch down for optimum color, flavor & soft tannins. The wine is a 50-50 blend of Dijon clones 667 & 777. It was transferred to a combination of medium and medium-plus toast Francois Freres Burgundy barrels, 40% of which are new, for malo-lactic conversion and 14 months of aging. For this rare “Hat Trick” release, Dan Lee and Gianni Abate then chose their favorite
barrels that best illustrated the dramatic terroir of the Double L.

The ‘07 “Hat Trick” Pinot floods the glass with aromas of black cherry and cassis mixed with mineral, spice and cola. Full-flavored and broadly structured, the wine maintains a round approachable style. This Pinot Noir would make a great match for rack of lamb or a thick rib eye steak...
 

Reviews

93, The International Wine Review, November 2009