2020 Organic Vision Pinot Noir Reserve

Sperling Vineyard Organic Vision Series Pinot Noir Reserve 2020 ($49, 93 points) — "The Vision Series Pinot Noir was planted in 2008 on blocks noted for their calcium-limestone rich clay soils. Sperling chose three Dijon clones (114, 777, 828) planted on three different rootstocks (10114, 3309 & Paulson) for the 8.5 acres of hillside vineyard. It was fermented in one- and four-tonne lots, including 40% whole clusters, hand-picked, and sorted fruit is wild fermented to both alcoholic and malolactic dryness, then barrel aged in large format (265, 300 & 500 L) French oak barrels for 18 months (with a tiny percentage of new wood). The intriguing nose begins with notes of forest floor and late autumn leaves and opens to a melange of savoury red berries, beetroot, nutmeg and spice notes that are fully integrated. It’s silky smooth on the palate with ripe and savoury black raspberries, cherry tart, anise, sage, earthy notes, spice, and a long finish fuelled by mouth-watering acidity. Beautiful, complex and cellar-worthy Pinot Noir." Rick VanSickle, Wines in Niagara

West Coast Refinement

Elegant West Coast refinement describes this wine beautifully. Classic Pinot Noir.

Enjoy with roasted organic chicken, including salty roasted potatoes smothered in drippings. 

2020 accumulated ~1340 GDD (Growing Degree Days) which seems to be the new normal for the 21st century. Even though the overall heat accumulation resembled 2018, the seasonal conditions differed. 2020 started with a very cool May & June, then a moderate July & then a hot August & September. Grapes were sweeter & with more dark fruit character.