2017 Pinot Noir, Oppenlander Vineyard

Vineyard Profile The Oppenlander Vineyard, on property owned by the Shandel family for generations, is a unique site in Mendocino, blessed with the gift of a distinctive heavy clay loam and an advantageous proximity to the coast. Its Dijon clones were planted in 1997 and have produced excellent wines over the years, showcasing the cool site and long hang time that results. Winemaker’s Notes The 2017 vintage was eventful, kicking off with significant rainfall that ended a stretch of drought years and provided the vines with ample water reserves. Summer brought a wave of heat spikes, which also accelerated ripening while stressing the vines, setting the stage for an intense, fruit-forward profile.  Reflecting its tumultuous year, the 2017 Oppenlander Vineyard Pinot Noir displays a vibrant ruby-violet color. The nose opens with the quintessential Mendocino combination of rich, dark fruit and earth, accentuated by the unique concentration and intensity derived from the vineyard’s historica