2009 One Acre Vineyard Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
“In 2009, these were four-year-old vines,” Ted Lemon recalls. “We later ripped out One Acre and replanted due to phylloxera.” He also notes that 2009, like 2012, was a warm, generous vintage. “I wanted to show 2009 next to 2012, the riper vintages,” he explains. "I feel like 2009 shows more richness than 2012. It’s opulent.” The 2009 Pinot Noir One Acre is in its peak drinking window, with a seamless blend of primary fruit and tertiary complexity and an approachable structure. On the nose, dried cranberries and smoked cherries mingle with wafts of tobacco, mushrooms, decaying leaves, wild fennel and bitters. The medium- to full-bodied palate pairs powerful, concentrated flavors with supple, silky tannins and juicy acidity, and it has a very long, nuanced finish. Enjoy it over the next decade or more.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Sits on a hilltop at 1,600 ft of elevation in the north-east range of mountains above Boonville on Bearwallow loam over marine-origin sandstone. The site is exposed to the north-west, a source of the cool breezes from the Pacific. Replanted in 2005, this site is farmed using organic and biodynamic methods but is not certified. Free-run juice from 100% destemmed fruit is fermented with ambient yeasts in a combination of steel and wood, utilising both punchdowns and pumpovers, with the wines pressed at dryness. Aged for 14–17 months in 20–25% new French oak on the lees with no racking. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Smells of smoked meat, dried herbs including dried red shiso, and red berries. Intensely bright raspberry and sour-cherry fruit flavours tingle with mouth-watering acidity as dried herbs, dried flowers and wet stone accompany a crystalline quality on the palate. Faint gauzy tannins hang in the background, letting the stony fruit and herbs linger with a hint of floral quality through the finish. A stupendous wine. (AY)
Pretty, spicy, complex and mature. This medium-bodied wine is alive in flavors of grilled plums, baked cherries, black tea and savory herbs, on moderate tannins and good acidity for a mouthfeel that\'s still lively and fresh. Almost delicate now from aging, yet so interesting and filigree. Drink now. Littorai retrospective tasting May 2025.
A very floral and violet-like edge to the nose with a lot of foresty, sous-bois character on offer, as well as a subtle, tobacco edge. The palate has a delicate but very powerful feel with a long, chalky and velvety textural line. Red plums and cherries. Fresh, elegant finish. Drink now.
About the producer
Littorai stands as one of California’s most quietly influential estates, defined by organic and biodynamic farming, site transparency, and a restrained, Burgundian sensibility.