Pinot Noir, Nobles Vineyard, Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast – 2017
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Introduction
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The Davies family of Schramsberg Vineyards and Davies Vineyards in the Napa Valley is pleased to release its ninth 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 51 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 2017 vintage.
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Vineyard Profile
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Nobles Vineyard produces bright, complex and richly layered Pinot Noir. It is located approximately 75 miles north of San Francisco, on the north Sonoma Coast, in the recently designated Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. With the vineyard’s moderate daytime and nighttime temperature swings, the Pinot Noir grapes follow a steady path to optimum ripeness, full flavor and color expression. The site is located on the eastern slopes of the second mountain ridge in from the Pacific Ocean, between 950 and 1,050 feet above sea level. Planted in 1993, on the property’s Goldridge fine sandy loam soil, less than two tons per acre of vibrant, yet supple, fruit is harvested each year.
- Appellation: Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast
- Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
- Clones: Martini 15, 777
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Vintage Report
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Record-breaking winter rainfall kicked off the 2017 vintage in Sonoma. A mild spring brought bud break at the normal time, and vintners reported small berries with excellent color. Once cooler weather arrived after a Labor Day weekend heat wave, fruit was able to mature at a gradual pace. Most of the fruit was picked prior to the October fires, showing excellent color, pronounced flavors and high quality across varieties.
- Harvest Date(s): September 19 - 25, 2017
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 15 months in 100% French Oak; 25% new, 30% 1x, 45% neutral
- Coopers: Atelier, Centre France, Damy, Billon, Orion
- Bottled: January 14, 2019
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
- Production (in cases): 300 (9-Liter)
- Alcohol: 13.8%
- TA: 6.3 g/L
- p H: 3.70
- Release Date: September 1, 2019
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Tasting Notes
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“This Pinot Noir starts off with aromas of plum, cherry and cola spice, followed gracefully with vanilla and rose petal. The palate offers a round full-mouth feel, with juicy ripe berry, layered with bright strawberry, baking spice, cocoa powder and nutmeg.” —Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies
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Images
Reviews
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J. Davies Pinot Noir, Nobles Vineyard, Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast – 2017 – The Wine Advocate – 93 Points
The medium ruby colored 2017 Pinot Noir Nobles Vineyard was aged 15 months in 25% new oak. The nose has lovely scents of cinnamon stick, tree bark and an appealing smoky reduction, with a core of licorice-laced ripe black and red fruits. The medium-bodied palate is intense and layered with a firm, albeit grainy frame and great freshness on the long, nuanced finish. 300 cases were made.
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J. Davies Nobeles Vineyard Pinot Noir — 2017 – James Suckling – 91 Points
Swirling, spiced-biscuit and blue-fruit aromas with an earthy edge, too. The palate has a very supple and sweetly flavorful edge that carries ample, succulent fruit flavor and a ripe build of fleshy tannin to close. Drink now.
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J. Davies Nobeles Vineyard Pinot Noir — 2017 – Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
Boysenberry, leather, turned earth and forest rise to the fore of this coastal wine, from a high-elevation site above the ocean. Juicy and offering length and breadth, it is both rich and riddled in acid-driven tension, providing powerful flavor and intensity.
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J. Davies Nobles Vineyard —2017 – Tasting Panel – 93 Points
From the Davies family of Schramsberg Vineyards, this expressive red has reached prime ripeness in its ninth vintage; it spent 15 months in 100% French oak. Hedonistic aromas of salted plum and pomegranate accompany undertones of ripe cherry, animale, and salty red fruit for a mouthwatering effect. Notes of red tea and a savory finish of fennel and root beer make a unique impression.