Winemaker Notes

The 2016 The Cairn Pinot Noir is a single vineyard wine which comes from Catie's Corner Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The fruit is sourced from two blocks, which are different clones (Wadenswil 1A and 2B). The must was fermented with 15% whole cluster providing a bit more mouthfeel and spiciness. The wine was stored on the lees, with monthly stirring, while aging in 40% new French oak. While this wine shows a bit more weight on the palate than the 2015, it still has the classic Russian River Valley characteristics with cherry cola notes enveloping a spicy red fruit dominated finish.

Harvest Notes

Heading into the fourth year of a prolonged drought, we had a warm, dry winter, which led to an early bud break in 2016. The growing season stayed ahead of normal through the entire season with no measurable rainfall until late October. pace.  The summer was warm, with sunny weather and no rain. 2016 was the earliest we had harvest this vineyard, with picking beginning in the early morning of August 29th.