2023 La Belle Promenade Pinot Meunier
2023 La Belle Promenade Pinot Meunier
Picked early to preserve the acidity and retain the elegance of Pinot Meunier. The whole cluster fermentation was slow, relying on native yeast, lasting over 20 days. Once pressed, the wine went into two neutral 500-liter puncheons, where it was stayed until September, when it was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Aromatically, this wine remains a revelation, red Pinot Meunier comparisons remain rare. Sesame seeds and Za'atar spice blend with warm savory herbs in this wine. It is all about layered spices up front. But the fruit soon follows with ripe, macerated strawberries, bringing balance to the nose. On the palate, the whole cluster shows itself more in freshness and brightness. Juicy but lean, bright raspberry fruit and mouthwatering acidity create a wine that is dangerously easy to drink.
Only 100 cases made.
This vineyard designated Pinot Meunier features fruit from La Belle Promenade Vineyard, nestled in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. The fruit is fermented with native yeast and aged in 100% neutral French puncheons for 11 months prior to bottling.