MacMurray Ranch Central Coast Pinot Noir (2009) CA
Tasting Date: 4/4/2012
Varietal:Pinot Noir
Country: USA, California
Tasting Date Price: $16.99
Rating: NA
Alcohol Content: 13.8%
Vineyard Website: click here
Visual Aspect: Cherry Cola
Nose: Red cherry with nuances of vanilla & oak
Palate: Intense and concentrated flavors.
Food Pairing: Excellent with green bean salads with cherry tomatoes and goat cheese; seared Ahi tuna
Wine Description
Grapes from premier Central Coast vineyards, including the Olson Ranch in the Santa Lucia Highlands, contributed to the final blend of this wine. A Pinot Noir with classic aromas from the cool micro-climates of the Central Coast, this wine showcases flavors of red cherry, cola, and briar complemented by nuances of sweet vanilla and oak notes.
Viticulture Notes
The 2009 Central Coast growing season was a challenging year in the vineyard. Drought conditions continued for the third consecutive year and an early frost delayed overall vine growth. This resulted in lower yields and fruit with intense and concentrated flavors. A heat spell in August accelerated the ripening and gave the vines a chance to catch up thus avoiding much of the impact from the region’s October storms. The season resulted in an exceptionally complex wine with concentrated flavors and aromas.
Winery Notes:
The grapes were harvested throughout the early morning to ensure the fruit was kept cool for fermentation, and were picked at the peak of ripeness. The grapes were de-stemmed and cold soaked prior to fermentation for optimal extraction of color and flavor. A percentage of the must underwent natural fermentation and the remainder was inoculated with a mixture of yeast strains for complexity. The wine then completed malolactic fermentation and a portion of the wine was aged in oak barrels, contributing to the overall mouth-feel and depth of flavor.
