2017 Kiser Vineyard Pinot Noir, UPPER Block

The Kiser Vineyard Pinot Noirs are a fascinating study on variations of a theme. All are specifically Kiser and more alike when compared to other vineyards. However, when tasted as a set, they are all distinctive among themselves, each showcasing a different expression.

2017 Kiser Vineyard, Upper Block, Pinot Noir // The upper portion of the vineyard has thinner soils and tends to produce more high-toned, ethereal fruit. This one shows off bright red berries, coniferous forest and minerals. [Previously called the "En Haut" block.] 

Kiser Vineyard is one of the last vineyards in the Valley. In this chilly corner, harvest is often up to a month later than in the southern part of Anderson Valley, only 15 miles south. The hillside vineyards sit on a thin layer of topsoil over sheets of fractured sandstone and shale. The upper block is slightly warmer and harvested first. Its wines are high-toned and bright. After millennia of erosion of the hillside, the lower block has deeper soils and thus broader, deeper flavors. A local vineyard worker remarked it was the coolest vineyard in AV.

Tech Information // Alc. 13.3%, 3.39 pH, 6.4 g/L TA Harvest Dates // 667 and 777 clones picked on September 8. Upper 114 picked on October 5.