Winemaker Notes

The 2018 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 2A). 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. The 2018 The Cairn displays dark, red cherry notes, with a tantalizing spiciness on the palate. Richer than in years past, this wine will develop more with a couple of years bottle aging.

Reviews

92pts - James Suckling

Harvest Notes

The 2018 growing season began with a relatively dry spring and just a bit below normal rainfall over the winter. Budbreak was close to normal, leading to flowering in late May. The summer didn’t see too many heat spikes, but we were treated to cooler than normal mornings, which slowed down the maturation process leading to a night pick on September 10^th, just a little later than the previous year.