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 2009 growing season was cooler than normal, resulting in lower yields, grapes with thicker skins and wines with firm tannins and concentration. The 2009 vintage is an intense wine that required an additional 4 months of barrel aging but has developed gracefully in the bottle and shed its primary fruit aromas to deliver more spiciness and raspberry notes.
The wine is medium bodied, and remains restrained. Patience will be rewarded with this wine; over time it will open up and develop the silky texture characteristic of classic Pinot Noir. The William Wesley is a powerful wine that is still a teenager, and will evolve in the bottle and in the glass.
Brice Jones on William Wesley:
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.
In 2010, the Hallberg Ranch was graced with a very long ripening season. A cool summer and fall promoted excellent and balanced development of flavors with naturally high acids. As harvest progressed, temperatures warmed and the wines gained in intensity and tannin content.
The 2010 vintage produced wines with great clarity and focus, and appear to be friendlier, extroverted wines with acidity as their backbone. This joyful Pinot Noir has warm and inviting aromas with a luscious palate mixed with red and black fruit. Enjoy this beautiful 2010 Hallberg Ranch now, or over the next few years.
Brice Jones on Hallberg Ranch:
