2018 Chalone Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir, Chalone AVA
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Winemaker Notes
Our 2018 Estate Pinot Noir reveals a symphony of aromas and flavors. Raspberry pie, sweet spice, forest
floor and plum are complemented by toasted oak and graphite.
Composition
100% Pinot Noir
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Chalone AVA
Acid
6.6 g/L
pH
3.66
Aging
10 months in French oak, 60% new
Residual Sugar
0.3 g/L
Alcohol %
13.6
Wine Enthusiast
90
Production Notes
The 2018 vintage was highlighted by its moderate growing season and average rainfall, resulting in grapes
with extra hang time. Cooperative weather during the flowering stage increased fruit yields and created
crisp refreshing wines with wonderfully ripe flavors.
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 2018 vintage is no
different. This Pinot Noir hails from the Vista and Upper 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.