93+ POINTS -
"Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2017 Pinot Noir Muldune Trail reveals gregarious notions of raspberry tart, Morello cherries, wild blueberries, and lilacs plus nuances of cracked black pepper, baking spices, and root beer. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers impressive elegance and energy with loads of restrained red fruit and earthy nuances, finishing long and plushly textured." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, February 2020
Tasting Notes
This mountain-grown wine expresses ripe fruits of the warm days and the acid balance from the cool nights. Vibrant fruit aromas of blueberry, raspberry and plum are the hallmarks of the aromatics along with a subtle cedar/cigar box note. These aromatics lead into intense flavors of berries and spice in this structured yet lively Pinot Noir.
Historic Acclaim
2016: “Outstanding” 95 points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
2015: Outstanding" 95 points, Jeb Dunnuck.com
2015: “Outstanding” 94+ points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
2014: “Outstanding” 94 points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
2013: “Outstanding” 94 points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
2013: “Outstanding” 90-92 points Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2012: “Outstanding” 93 points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
Vineyard & Vintage Character
In the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County the local residents speak an obscure dialect of English known as Boontling, which developed in the late 1800s. The “Muldune Trail” was a term used in Anderson Valley lore often describing the road traversing the ridge to Ukiah. There are other definitions of hitting the “Muldune Trail” that we will leave to the reader to discover! Our blocks within this estate-owned vineyard are located in the hills above Anderson Valley just below a 2,000 foot elevation, making it our highest elevation site. Planted to Dijon clones 115 and 667, we see another expression of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir that is more masculine than our Velvet Sisters bottling.
Wine Details
Oak: 100% French oak, 42% new
Time in oak: 17 months
Yeast: Native
TA: 5.4 g/L
pH: 3.62
Alcohol: 14.4%
Cases produced: 265
Unfined and unfiltered