It is hard to believe that this is our 11th release of Kashaya Pinot Noir. As these vines have aged, and we have dialed in the winemaking to suit the site, we are even more thrilled with the results. As you know, there are precious few vineyards in the vaunted Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, and we feel so fortunate to work with this rare and spectacular site. As usual, we fermented the wine with its own spontaneous yeast, with 33% whole clusters, similar in many ways to the 2018, yet with the extra wow factor that 2019 brings. The color is a deep, red cherry with great density. Aromatics fire from the glass with notes of strawberry coulis, sweet cherry pie, oolong tea, cracked white pepper and vanilla. The palate is smooth, elegant and harmonious, with the extra fine tannins supporting the rich, lively flavors on the long finish.
Moving to the reds, the 2019 Kashaya Pinot Noir was two-thirds destemmed and brought up in one-third new French oak. Notes of wild strawberries, raspberries, flowers, and integrated stems define the nose, and it’s medium-bodied, balanced, and has considerable elegance on the palate. It will keep for 7-8 years easily.
An alluring, perfumed style, with red tea, sandalwood and savory notes leading the way, followed by lightly mulled raspberry and blood orange fruit. The long finish lets the fruit sail through, with a nice sense of detail. Drink now through 2028.
