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Old Block Pinot Noir 2019

$56.61
92 Points, Anthony Gismondi, Gismondi on Wine

"Old Block comes off the original 1994 vineyard plantings and is the largest pinot block (roughly one acre) at McLean Creek Road. The clone is unknown. The nose is almost aromatic, as it wafts raspberries and forest floor out of the glass. The flavour mix is underripe black cherry, sweet ripe raspberries, and earthy dark plums supported by delicate, silky textures that sing along the palate. The finish is lengthy, with an enticing mix of violets and spice. The balance suggests you can drink this now or hold it because there is no rush. McLean Creek Road Vineyard is located in Okanagan Falls on a predominantly steep southerly aspect with the soil comprised of alluvial and glacial deposits." - Tasted May 1, 2021

Due to low quantities available, 4-bottle maximum per order. 

Specifications

  • Alcohol 13.5%
  • Acidity 6.4 g/L
  • Aging 10+ years
  • Appellation Okanagan Falls
  • Bottling Date September 1, 2020
  • Country Canada
  • Harvest Date October 27, 2019
  • ph 3.71
  • Region Okanagan Valley
  • Type Red
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
  • Vintage 2019
  • Winemaker Chris Carson
  • Notes

    Winemaker Notes

    At the winery the fruit was gently de-stemmed via gravity into small open top fermenters and allowed to cold soak. After cold soaking, an indigenous fermentation began, with temperature peaking at 30 degrees Celsius. Gentle hand plunging of the must was done throughout. After a post-maceration period the wine was transferred to 100% French oak barrels (30% new) where it remained for 11 months. A natural malolactic fermentation occurred in late spring. In keeping with our philosophy to maintain, as much as possible, a hands-off approach in the cellar to allow the true expression of terroir, this wine is unfined and unfiltered.  

    Vineyard Notes

    Our family owned “McLean Creek Road Vineyard” is located in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia. The vineyard has a predominantly steep southerly aspect with the soil comprised of alluvial and glacial deposits making up a mix of gravelly and sandy loams. The “Old Block” Pinot Noir as it is affectionately called, is one of the original vineyard plantings in 1994 and is part of the largest block of Pinot Noir at McLean Creek Road.  It has a steep southerly aspect to capture the full range of the sun, is roughly one acre in size, and the clone is unknown. We have always believed the “Old Block” was capable of standing on its own but we had to wait until the new planting (2009) of Pinot Noir had matured and came into full production. Although we are not certified organic, we practice organic/sustainable farming principles.

    Production Notes

    333 cases produced.