2015 Dierberg Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 1.5L
WINEMAKER NOTES The 2015 theme for our cool coastal vineyards was low yield, intense structure, and a veiled nature that wants time to reveal itself. As initial blocks of Pinot Noir were harvested it was quickly apparent that the vintage's intensity required less stem inclusion and maceration time needed to be shortened. We enjoy good tannin structure and tension in our Pinot Noir, but all Pinot should have an elegant balance if tense in its general profile. With depth and tannin coming quickly, we reduced time on skins to accommodate this intensity. One might think more new oak would work, but we felt the depth of the wines provided such complexity that we didn't want to confound it with anything but our typical program.