2022 Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir
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The Applejack Vineyard Pinot component is planted on east-facing slopes with a mix of clones: Abel, Dijon (114, 115), Pommard, MV6. There was a 15% to 20% whole-bunch component in the final wine. The 2022 Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir is all about Japanese spice (miso?, good), cherry blossom, red apples, kirsch, star anise and ginger root. This is an elegant, spicy and savory wine with loads of flavor; the tannins are firm and ductile; and the fruit is fleshy and supple. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
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Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
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Full screwcapped bottle just 1,290 g. Clones Abel, MV6, Pommard, 114 and 115 planted at 300 m on grey clay loam over a black basalt volcanic base, facing east, in Gladysdale by Ray Guerin in 1997. Picked 10 to 15 March after a low-cropping season. Fruit chilled overnight and then fermented – Pommard (20% of the total) whole bunch – in small oak and open-topped stainless-steel fermenters. Aged on lees in barriques (20% new) for 10 months before blending and bottling unfined and unfiltered. Pale to mid crimson. Assertive, firm and spicy – more emphatic and probably with more of a future than the Primavera. Long and fine and subtle without much sweetness. Quite muscular for a Pinot. Definitely distinctive! But made with a gentle hand. Long, vibrant and vibrating on the finish. Very good wine with real substance and ambition. (JR)