The Davies family of Schramsberg Vineyards and Davies Vineyards in the Napa Valley is pleased to release its tenth vintage of Pinot Noir still wines. The family’s experience with Pinot Noir dates back to 1967, when Jack and Jamie Davies first used this elegant red varietal to make their inaugural vintage of Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine. Over the 53 years following that first use, Schramsberg’s winemakers have built long-lasting relationships with some of the best Pinot Noir growers in the North Coast. Developing upon this passion, history and experience, second-generation Vintner Hugh Davies and Director of Winemaking Sean Thompson are proud to present this vineyard-designate Pinot Noir wine from the 2018 vintage.

The Ferrington Vineyards property, located approximately 100 miles north of San Francisco and 17 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, is in a fertile pocket of land found at the edge of the northeastern foothills of Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley. Between 360 and 440 feet above sea level, the vines utilize over six feet of Boontling and Pinole loam soil, sustainable farming practices and deficit irrigation to produce approximately 2.5 tons per acre of bright, complex fruit with great balance. Cool, foggy nights and steadily warming days provide a long, even growing season which delivers mature fruit depth with a vibrant, acidic backbone.

The 2018 growing season in Anderson Valley was not as warm as in recent years. Daily diurnal shifts, characteristic of the Anderson Valley AVA, were moderated by the cooler summer temperatures. Fewer heat spikes allowed the fruit to mature slowly and steadily, lengthening the growing season. Along with a balanced, healthy crop, this elongated growing season presented an ideal situation for full phenolic development with enticing intensity of freshness, and concentration of fruit flavor.

“The Ferrington Pinot Noir features expressive aromas of bright red berry, plum and black cherry, with a touch of licorice and cola spice. The palate has a juicy entry and a dense midpalate with lingering acidity, offering flavors of black plum with a hint of dark chocolate.” — Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies