Pinot Noir, Ferrington Vineyard, Anderson Valley – 2015
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Introduction
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Vintage Notes
The Ferrington Vineyard, one of California’s most acclaimed Pinot Noir Vineyards, sells to eight wineries and is tucked away just off Highway 128 in Booneville, a small town in the heart of the Anderson Valley. Though 25 acres of the vineyard are planted to multiple clones of Pinot Noir, we have selected a block in the vineyard that was planted to the Pommard clone because of its proven legacy in this cold climate appellation. Pommard is one of the oldest Pinot Noir clones found in California and is favored by many winemakers for its ability to produce outstanding wines without the help of other blending clones. It is respected for its reliable color, intense fruit, and fragrant spice components. The vineyard has a gentle south-facing slope, and has decomposed sandstone and clay soils with three to four feet of topsoil. This vineyard was originally planted in the late 1960s although some of the 25 acres of Pinot Noir vines were planted in 1998 and some more recently.
Winemaking
Cold grapes arrive at the winery early in the morning after having been picked at night. The clusters are sorted by hand and then destemmed into small, open-top fermenters. The juice is allowed to warm gradually and naturally in the fermenter. Given that all of the wines are made with native yeasts and are not inoculated, this cold-soak period can vary between 5-8 days depending on how long it takes these native populations to build up and begin fermentation. Pinot Noir fermentations are kept below 85 degrees. The wines always go through malolactic fermentation. The wines then spend the next 11 months in barrel, and the wine is racked clean just prior to bottling.
Technical Information
Vine Age: 20-50 years
Soil: Decomposed sandstone and clay, with three to four feet of topsoil
Clonal Composition: Pommard
Aging: 11 months in barrel (70% Francois Frères, 15% Sirugue, 15% Chassin, 40% new oak)
Alcohol: 14.7
Unfined, unfiltered
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Tasting Notes
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A distinctive expression of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir that blends power and purity in the same glass. Explosive aromatics of crushed pomegranate seeds, dried lavender, plum and graphite are hallmarks of this vineyard and are present in abundance. The intensely floral nose is accompanied by flavors of bright red raspberry, black pepper, toasted herbs and tart bing cherries. A tangy, persistent acid backbone blends with chewy tannins to give the wine a firm and energetic finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Arista Winery Arista Winery Pinot Noir, Ferrington Vineyard, Anderson Valley – 2015 – Vinous – 94 Points
The 2015 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard, from a site in Anderson Valley, is wonderfully lush, aromatic and expressive. All of the natural richness of the vintage comes through in this ample, voluptuous wine. A rush of succulent red cherry, blood orange, spice, star anise and rose petal builds into the powerful, flamboyant finish. What a gorgeous wine this is.
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Arista Winery Pinot Noir, Ferrington Vineyard, Anderson Valley – 2015 – Wine Spectator – 90 Points
Well-structured, offering a firm mix of raspberry, licorice, dusty herb and cedar flavors, with the structure and density making this a candidate for short-term cellaring. Best from 2019 through 2026. 413 cases made.
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Arista Winery Pinot Noir, Ferrington Vineyard, Anderson Valley – 2015 – Wine Enthusiast – 95 Points
A compelling combination of well-integrated oak spices and forward, opulent fruit flavors make this full-bodied wine almost irresistible. It has a smooth texture, layered and concentrated notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, new leather, wood smoke, cooked cherries and ripe plums supported by moderate tannins and good fruit acidity.
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Pinot Noir, Ferrington Vineyard, Anderson Valley – 2015 – 94 points – Wine Advocate
“Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, the 2015 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard has a drop-dead gorgeous perfume of violets, rose hip tea, warm raspberries and kirsch with suggestions of garrigue, dried lavender, Provence herbs and tilled soil."