Our Double L Vineyard’s location in the northern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA is widely regarded as one of the best spots 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.
The grapes were hand picked and sorted in the vineyard. They were sorted again at the winery before being destemmed. Whole berry fermentation took place in small open tanks. Three times daily, the wine was manually punched down. After fermentation, the wine is transferred into a combination of new and one and two year-old barrels. We purchase barrels from the most sought after forests in France, made by their finest cooperages.
An exceptional wine from an exceptional vintage, the ‘07 Double L Pinot Noir presents aromas of black cherry, pomegranate, chocolate, spice and leather. Those characters are echoed on the palate, backed by a deft touch of vanillin-oak and structuring tannins. An exquisite match for duck confit, lamb shank, and prime rib...
Reviews
89, California Grapevine, October-November 2009
92, The International Wine Review, November 2009
92, Wine Enthusiast, December 2009
95 Points, Connoisseurs' Guide, February 2010
