Tasting notes for the wines at the Littleton and Aspen events this week

For you wine geeks, here are the notes on the wines being poured at the Littleton and Aspen events this week:

2015 La Pitchoune Vin Gris of Pinot Noir - Sonoma Coast

Our 2015 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir is an expressive, bright pink wine with a wonderful crisp berry taste and vibrant acidity. The flavors of raspberry and watermelon will not only awaken your palate, but will also be the perfect pairing with almost any food.  A fantastic companion for a sunny afternoon on the bocce court, or as an aperitif to start a memorable evening. Serve chilled.

AVA:        Sonoma Coast
Vineyard Source:     English Hill, Morris and Holder Vineyards
Clones:        115, 667, 777, 828, Pommard and Vosne-Romanée
Harvest Dates:     August 17 through September 18, 2014
Harvest Brix:        22.2˚ to 23.9˚ Brix
Barrel Aged:     2 months
Barrel Breakdown:     100% 4-year-used French Oak
Bottling Date:    January 26th, 2016
Production:        163 cases
Alcohol:        13.8%
pH:        3.31
TA:        7.1 g/L

2013 La Pitchoune Chardonnay - Sonoma Coast

This is a special California Chardonnay. Barrel fermented in 100% neutral French oak, it is decadent while being fresh and light of weight; reminiscent of the perfect key-lime pie. Aromas of citrus intermingled with flinty, smoky custard fill the glass. Similar flavors dance across the palate with the grace and precision of a Russian ballerina. The mineral driven finish enlivens the palate and solicits another sip. Drink now or over the next 5 years.  

Vineyard Source:     Pratt, Dutton Sullivan, Chenoweth
Clone:        Selections of Wente, Wente-Hyde,Robert Young and Mt. Eden
Multiple Dates:     Between 8-31 and 9-11, 2013
Harvest Brix:        23.2˚Brix, 24.2 ˚Brix and 23.8 ˚Brix
Barrel Aged:     17 months
Barrel Breakdown:     100% French Oak, 100% at least twice
Bottling Date:    February 12, 2015
Production:        176 cases
Alcohol:        14.1%
pH:        3.63
TA:        5.4g/L

2013 La Pitchoune Pinot Noir - Sonoma Coast

The underlying theme of producing Pinot noir that is not typically ‘California’ in style, has prevailed once again. Created to harness the best of its older brother, the 2012 vintage, this wine strives to tie old-world to new-world. Aromas of petrol, tar, tobacco, red fruits and baking spices rise from the glass. Delineated flavors of ripe raspberry, cranberry and blood orange are interlaced with juniper berry, black tea, smoked meats and soft chewy tannins. Although this wine is remarkably approachable and drinks exceptionally well right now, it will only get better over the next 10-15 years.

Vineyard Source:     English Hill, Holder, DeVoto
Clone:        Dijon clones 115, 667, 777
Multiple Dates:     Between 9-2-13 and 10-1-13
Harvest Brix:        23.8˚ Brix average
Barrel Aged:     11 months
Barrel Breakdown:     100% French Oak
        25% new, 25% used once,
        50%used for 4 previous vintages
Bottling Date:    August 7th, 2014
Production:        385 cases
Alcohol:        14.1%
pH:        3.65
TA:        5.8 g/L

2013 La Pitchoune Pinot Noir - Holder Vineyard - Russian River Valley

Our first vintage produced from this small, family operated, 1.25 acre site, exhibits lush concentration of fruit and compelling spice. Aromas of ripe strawberry and raspberry mingle with baking spices of star anise, cinnamon and cardamom. Rich, suave textures are highlighted by energetic fruit flavors balanced by electric acidity, concluding with a salivating finish. Drink now or over the next 10 years.  
 

Vineyard Source:     Holder Vineyard
Clone:        Dijon clones 115, 667
Harvet Date:     9-2-13
Harvest Brix:        22.7˚Brix and 24 ˚Brix
Barrel Aged:     11 months
Barrel Breakdown:     100% French Oak,
        25% new, 25% once used,
        50% 4 years or older
Bottling Date:    August 07, 2014
Production:        120 cases
Alcohol:        13.8%
pH:        3.63
TA:        5.7g/L