Hook & Ladder Estate Simeone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

HOOK & LADDER RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY ESTATE SIMEONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2017 THE VINEYARDS: Cecil De Loach planted these delicate Pinot Noir vineyards in 1973 in the Russian River Valley. Located on the plains and gently rolling hills off Olivet road in western Santa Rosa, this area provides an excellent medium for the coastal fog that blankets our fruit in the mornings and evenings. The cooling moisture facilitates a longer growing season in which Pinot Noir thrives. THE GROWING SEASON: 2017 was another fantastic growing year in the Russian River Valley. Yields were larger than that of 2016 while a slightly cooler August allowed the clusters to mature more slowly and evenly than previous vintages, providing great flavor and color development. THE WINEMAKING: We use old-world techniques, whole berries, and 10 % whole clusters to make our Pinot Noir in small batches that we "punch down" up to three times a day. After native yeast fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels fo