2017 Pinot Noir, Wildcat Mountain Vineyard

Planted in 1998 by vintner Steve MacRostie and partners, Wildcat Mountain is a hilltop vineyard (700 feet above sea level) often in the middle of the fog and vigorously challenged by the wind. The soils are rocky and well draining. The nearby San Pablo Bay contributes to the overall terroir and climate. All together these elements make the vines struggle and produce distinct flavors in the finished wine. The 2017 vintage started off early. The fruit handled the few heat spikes very well and was able to gradually and slowly ripen. A rustic aroma of dark fruit leads to notes of savory herbs and fig. Tones of earthy blackberry on the palate evolve into a long, velvety finish.