This Pinot Noir is sourced from two distinct vineyards within the Petaluma Gap,

with 76% originating from our Diamond Pile Vineyard and 18% from our Catapult

Vineyard. Despite their proximity, each vineyard imparts unique characteristics to

the final blend. Diamond Pile Vineyard is situated at the southwestern base of

Sonoma Mountain, this vineyard boasts a western exposure, leaving the vines

exposed to the elements. The soil composition is characterized by a clay loam top

layer transitioning into a blend of sand, gravel, and rhyolitic bedrock. Natural

stressors such as fog and wind, coupled with the planting of Dijon clones, impart

the wine with a delicate, ethereal quality. Expect notes of blue fruits and spice,

balanced with an elegant finesse. The Catapult Vineyard is nestled at the western

base of Wildcat Mountain to the south, Catapult features direct diablo clay soils

leading to rhyolitic bedrock. Here, heritage clones thrive amidst rolling hills,

offering a more sheltered environment. This allows for the extraction of greater

structure, power, and pure red fruit flavors, complemented by hints of sauvage.

Marked by warmth, the 2022 growing season started with an early bud break. As

the summer unfolded, temperatures remained consistent. However, intense

September heatwaves posed challenges. The temperature surge prompted a

harvest that started two weeks ahead of schedule. Fortunately, the fruit was

brought in before the rainfall that happened a week later. Meticulous farming

practices were employed to ensure the highest quality fruit. This included precise

shoot positioning, rigorous cluster thinning, and judicious crop management.

Grapes are hand-harvested at dawn and vinified separately. Diamond Pile grapes

undergo 20% whole cluster fermentation, while those from Catapult Ranch are

100% destemmed, each lot is vinified separately in open-top fermentors. After a

5-day cold soak and spontaneous fermentation, punch-downs occur 2-3 times

daily for gentle extraction. Following a two-week maceration, the wine is

delicately pressed and aged for 16 months in 45% new French oak before bottling.