2018 WALT Brown Ranch Pinot Noir
Critic Review
"Thick in flavors of cola and leather, this wine shows a stemmy earthiness of savory character, built around ripe, ribald and abundant fruit and powerful concentration."


Brown Ranch Vineyard
Sits on a hillside at the base of the Mayacamas in the
Carneros, Napa Valley appellation
Warm Micro-Climate
a slightly warmer temperature where the morning fog
burns off earlier
San Pablo Bay
Brings cool fog and ocean breezes
Dark, bold red. The aromas are subtle at first, but then open into warm 5-spice, strawberry coulis, white flowers, and RC cola. Soft and dense on the palate with flavors of dark concentrated red fruits, fresh earth, and hints of Rooibos tea. Subtle warm oak notes support the lush tannin structure, and the wine finishes with an awesome spicy note that I've come to associate with Brown Ranch.
5-Spice
White Flowers
Red Fruits
Oak
The Brown Ranch vineyard sits on a hillside within the Napa Carneros "banana belt" a specific micro-climate where the morning fog burns off earlier, warming the vineyard for a longer period of time than other sites in the appellation.
Bottle Size | 750mL |
---|---|
Varietal Composition | 100% Pinot Noir |
Barrel Aging | 10 Months in 45% New French Oak (François Frères) |
Appellation | Carneros, Napa Valley |
Vineyard | Brown Ranch |
Vintage Notes | Following a series of warm, early harvests, this year’s growing season returned to a slower rhythm, allowing grapes to ripen gently with deep flavors. Our growers spent the summer and fall manicuring the vine canopies to provide the grapes enough shade from the sun while also preparing adequate airflow to deter mold. When Mother Nature did throw a couple of unpredictable systems at us, we were able to weather the storms and harvest exceptional fruit! |
