2016 Chalone Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir, Chalone AVA
90 Points & Best Buy - Wine & Spirits
Winemaker Notes
Our 2016 Estate Pinot Noir is bright ruby red in color and known for its layered flavors and
complexity. It opens with juicy ripe raspberry and plum notes balanced out by hints of forest floor
and warm toasty baking spice on the finish. A unique minerality neatly ties up all of these elements
as a result of mature vineyards vineyards and ancient limestone soils that run through the Chalone
AVA.
Food Pairing Notes
Pair this wine with herb encrusted lamb or creamy mushroom risotto.
Composition
100% Pinot Noir
Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Chalone AVA
Harvest Date
August 31 – September 6, 2016.
Acid
5.2 g/L
pH
3.65
Aging
12 months of barrel aging, 30% new French oak barrels
Alcohol %
14.4
Wine & Spirits
90
Production Notes
After several years of drought, the 2016 vintage started out with an average amount of rainfall (about 13
inches) in winter. Weather remained cooperative throughout budbreak and bloom resulting in a good
set and even ripening. Ample sunshine during the summer months delivered ideal grapes full of flavor.
We harvested the fruit for this wine from August 31 – September 6, 2016.
Vineyard Notes
The thin, limestone-rich soils of Chalone Vineyard produce low yields of grapes bursting with rich, intense
flavors and impeccable balance. Year after year, our Estate Pinot Noir exemplifies the impeccable structure
and flavor complexity imparted by old vines budded to heritage clones; and, the 2015 vintage is no different.
This Pinot Noir hails from the Vista and Reservoir blocks of our estate vineyards. The name of the Chalone
American Viticultural Area (AVA), like that of the winery, comes from the name of a tribe of Native
Americans who once inhabited this isolated area.