2017 WALT Blue Jay Pinot Noir 1.5L
Critic Review
92 Points | Owen Bargreen
"This Anderson Valley Pinot Noir opens with ripe strawberry, guava and shades of blood orange set on the nose. The palate is plush and decadent with ripe red fruits with shades of peat moss and guava purée dominating."
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Focused and elegant with luscious cherry fruit and
lifting acidity
Hillside Slopes
Southern exposure, cobbled clay loam soils and
rock outcroppings
Exceptional Appellation
Due to
its proximity to cool, steady winds from
the Pacific Ocean
Deep purple garnet color, this wine has overflowing aromas of dried hibiscus flower and smoked paprika with hints of forest floor and mint. The palate is dense and rich, packed with flavors of sassafrass, wild blueberry compote, and baking spice. This wine is a full and intense expression of Pinot Noir, perfectly balanced with toasted oak and vibrant acidity on the lengthy finish.
Paprika
Sassafras
Blueberry Compote
Toasted Oak
Our 2017 Blue Jay is sourced on steep hillsides. The aspect and light gravelly soils in these very rugged sites combine to create optimal ripening conditions. The resulting wines consistently present fruit of great depth and character.
| Bottle Size | 1.5 mL |
|---|---|
| Varietal Composition | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Barrel Aging | 10 Months in 40% New French Oak |
| Appellation | Anderson Valley |
| Vineyard | The Corners Vineyard |
| Vintage Notes | The 2017 growing season began with significant rainfall, replenishing soils and reservoirs. A summer of gradual warmth indicated a textbook growing season until unpredictable spells of extreme heat throughout September created challenges for many vineyards. This heightened the rate of ripening and flavor development in the grapes. Cooling marine air arrived just in time to bring our vineyards to ideal harvesting conditions resulting in concentrated, rich, and dense wines. |
Mile 438-445, The Corners and Savoy, Anderson Valley
