Ancien, Pinot Noir, Thornton Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, California, 2021

Overview of the Wine
In 1992, we harvested our first two tons of Pinot Noir from four rows atop a knoll in the southwest corner of Carneros. Producing but five barrels, this marked the beginning of Ancien Wines. In the years since, we have continued our pursuit of those rare and special plots where Pinot Noir can rise from great to sublime.

Our Quest begins with the search for the highest quality sites in the range of terroirs in which we work - those we hope to be of “Grand Cru” stature in their separate Viticultural Areas (AVA). Ours has been a unique approach in that the majority of our vineyards were custom planted in partnership with small scale farmers. Ken’s background in viticultural and clonal research was utilized in a very practical way to optimize each of the planted sites. This has been a long term approach starting with the Mink Vineyard in 1995, then with Toyon Farm in 1998, and continued with our most recent plantings at Red Dog Vineyard. Our "long distance relationships” with Kathy Joseph’s Fiddlestix Vineyard in 2003 and Dick Shea’s Vineyard in 2008 are the only exceptions to this approach as the blocks were pre-existing. As it stands, our current lineup includes vines grown in the following viticultural areas: Carneros, Coombsville, Russian River, Sonoma Mountain, Willamette Valley, Santa Rita Hills.

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir

Origin
Sonoma, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The Thornton Vineyard is situated on the ridge above the Petaluma Gap. At 1400 ft elevation, it receives a very direct ocean influence even if somewhat mediated by its slightly protected eastern exposure. The stunning view from the vineyard faces east across the southern Sonoma Valley to the Mayacamas. The grapes were destemmed into 1-ton, open top fermenters and cold soaked for 4 days. Punched down by hand 4 times per day tapering down as the fermentation progressed. A warm fermentation, peaking about 94 degrees, with additional maceration and skin contact ensured a generous extraction from these stubborn grapes. The wine was aged in French barrels, 40% new. The wine was racked once prior to bottling. Tasting notes: Densely colored Pinot Noir bursting of red berry fruit, wild cherry, and blueberry. Very primal at first, with unctuous texture and loaded with fruit. Long flavors with bright mouthwatering acidity delineate the palate. As the wine opens, glimpses of its underlying structure appear, but are largely overwhelmed by its lush forward fruit. With time, the wine gradually opens up to greater complexity with spice notes and subtle hibiscus notes.

First release from this rugged, majestic site that rises 1000 ft above the valley floor and yields inky dark wines with densely concentrated fruit.

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
This silky and well-balanced wine wafts black cherries, cola and blueberry aromas. These lead to a graceful texture and layered red- and black-fruit flavors that are delicious and persistent.

Product size: 750ml