Sourced from hilltop vineyards on the eastside of the Russian River, this wine offers up dark berry fruit flavors with hints of anise, fennel and subtle earthiness. The warmer and drier microclimate hastens ripening and, typically, harvest first begins in this part of the Valley. Dark-fruited, complex, and layered, Eastside Road Neighbors is typified by richness with robust tannins and seamless acidity which add a freshness and enables longevity.
THE VINEYARD
The Pinot Noir for this blend was sourced from three unique sites along Eastside Road: Foss Vineyard, Calegari Vineyard, and Lewis MacGregor Estate Vineyard.
HARVEST 2019
The 2019 growing season started with ample rainfall in the winter months and finished well above average. Wet soil and cool temperatures conspired to delay bud break nearly two weeks later than historical average. Moderate to slightly above average temperatures ensued and the vegetative cycle caught up. Flowering started under ideal conditions but a late May rain event delayed flowering for a week. This had some impact and created some shatter and smaller clusters. These smaller clusters are desirable because they are looser and the smaller the berry, the higher the tendency to yield concentrated and flavorful wines. The remainder of the growing season was largely uneventful. August was largely fog-free, so the nights were warmer and the days sunnier which tended to move photosynthesis and maturation along more quickly. The harvest schedule was mostly routine and rather leisurely with grapes arriving to the winery in pristine condition. The 2019 wines are impressive with excellent color, depth, and precision of site. The polish of the tannins and softer acid profiles will offer early appeal but can certainly hold on for years.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Barrel Description: 61% new, 39% 1 yr. Barrel Aged: 15 months
pH: 3.50
TA: 0.57g/100mL
Alc: 13.7%
