Pinot Noir
Platt Vineyard, 2013

Winemaker's Notes

I feel fortunate to have been invited to work with this vineyard since its early development over 15 years ago.  With the multiple clones and vineyard blocks I have been vinifying, there are multiple expressions of each fermentation lot.  What I have seen is a real classy, polished subtlety and transparency that is quite compelling.  While the site is in an overall very cool location, in sight of the Pacific Ocean, it can still be subject to significant warm periods at harvest.  Being capable of harvesting quickly is a real asset so that the fruit can become perfectly ripe, retaining nuance and layers rather than leaning toward only gooey dark fruits which result from over ripe fruit.

As another example of remaining on the lees the entire time in barrel, this wine enjoys a perfect level of non-fruit to balance the beautiful red and blue fruits in the aromas.  Texturally, it possesses enough of the ‘rounds’ (glycerol and mannoprotiens) to balance the ‘angles’ (tannin and especially, acidity).  Taking the example of King, above as Gevery-like, Platt is more of a Volnay in its presentation of restrained energy and gentle persistence. Aromas of tree blossom perfume, red and blue fruits plus a little rained-on concrete aroma begin the journey.  They follow through gracefully and as they weave in and out of center stage with each other so does the acidity and body of the wine take turns as well.  The wine transitions very gracefully to the finish which ends up on an important upward note due to welcome acidity getting the last word in.