The steep coastal hillsides of William Wesley Vineyard are influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, with daytime breezes that ride above the coastal ridges and fog-shrouded valleys below. Very cool nights permit the grapes to retain their acids and give way to long, bright, sunny days that allow the grapes to ripen slowly in near-perfect balance, intensifying their flavors, and reflecting the vineyard’s maritime terroir in this powerful cuvée.
The 2008 growing season was one of the most demanding in recent memory. Careful selection from our finest parcels, and judicious blending were critical, but I believe we were rewarded with a gem. Fresh berry aromas have developed into a spicy, forest floor and a potpourri medley. The firm tannic structure and high acidity which typify the William Wesley have, at long last, transformed into a round and lush mouth feel. The wine is medium to full body and shows a lot of strength. Time will benefit this wine as it transforms from a vigorous young wine to a country gentleman.
The home ranch of Emeritus Vineyards lies along Sonoma County’s Gold Ridge-a ten-mile-long, low ridge running from Sebastopol to Forestville, in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Rolling hills slope to the southwest giving the vines optimum sun exposure, allowing the grapes to ripen with vibrant flavors, sensuous velvety texture, and seductive aromas. This Gold Ridge is America’s Cote d’Or, home to many of the emerging top-flight Pinot Noirs produced in California.
The cold 2009 spring caused the vines to set a smaller–than–normal crop, but the subsequent cool growing season was ideal for Pinot Noir. We saw flavors develop slowly, in balance with tannins and sugar, resulting in more medium–bodied wines than the 2008s, with less alcohol than any of our previous wines. The wine has great depth, dark crimson color, and notable intensity —reminiscent of our 2007s. Overall, we are pleased with the deep colors, variety of flavors, great balance, elegant style, and rarity of the wines. It is rich without being heavy, and embodies what I am looking for in a Pinot: power and finesse. Dare I say iron fist in a velvet glove.
