2001 Perennial - Proprietal Red Wine Blend
Tasting Notes
Our 2001 Perennial once again defies simple attempts to be categorized. Does the Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier dominate the nose? Is the palate more Burgundian or more Rhone-like? It seems the answers are different for everyone - although all are in agreement that this wine is ready to enjoy now with hearty Fall fare and should easily stand up to 1 - 2 years of further cellaring if so desired.
The nose this vintage is at once more floral and more "meaty" than the red fruit driven 2000. This can be attributed to the return of Pinot Meunier at a higher percentage and a particularly smoky, gamy character in our 2001 Syrah. Deep, black fruit aromas of plum, bing cherry, and wild blackberry take center stage with supporting roles played by spicy notes and hints of well-seasoned French oak. The palate is rich and full with moderate acidity, balanced youthful tannins, and a long flavorful finish.
Blend
Sourced from 100% Sonoma County fruit with appellations including Sonoma Mountain, Russian River, Green Valley, Sonoma Coast, and select lots from our estate here on Camp Meeting Ridge.
- 49% Pinot Noir
- 22% Syrah
- 26% Pinot Meunier
- 3% Chardonnay
Winemaking
More available Pinot Meunier this year has resulted in wonderfully forward aromatics, while the continued use of Syrah has again resulted in a noticeably structured, yet readily accessible, mouthfeel. As always, the goal remains, a wine that is always greater than the simple sum of its parts and one that is immediately enjoyable upon release. Our blend will naturally shift slightly each year depending upon what nature gives us, and what we feel makes the best wine. This keeps it fun and interesting!
- Harvest: From September 5, 2001 to October 19, 2001.
- Yeast/ML: Primarily native yeast and malolactic fermentations.
- Cooperage and Aging: 10 months in barrel with approximately 30% new wood.
Final bottling technical information
- pH: 3.64
- Total Acidity: 0.631 g/100ml
- 14.3% alcohol
- Residual Sugar: 0.06 g/100ml
Bottled August 15, 2002; 1881 cases produced.