Winemaker Notes

The 2020 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 2020 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.

Harvest Notes

The 2020 growing season went from hope and excitement, to literally crash and burn. Timing was everything with the 2020 harvest. When budbreak occurred around the end of February, we were blessed with warm days and clear skies. The growing season was moving along perfectly until the first of two fires hit the Napa Valley. Vineyards in the eastern part of Napa were most affected. This vineyard, in the Russian River Valley was picked under clear skies on the morning of August 27^th.