92 Points, Gold Medal - Los Angeles International Wine Competition
Arroyo Seco, a sub-region within Monterrey County defined by the distinct soils left by an ancient river that once flowed through the area, is probably best known—to those who know it at all—for its chardonnay. But thanks to a small but dedicated group of producers, this cool, wind-swept region is gaining a reputation for Pinot Noir.
Vineyard Notes
A blend of three beautiful vineyards, this wine is representative of the Arroyo Seco AVA. Each property is located on the dry river bottom and features an extremely rocky, shallow surface soil (topsoil at each site is classified as Arroyo Seco Gravelly Sandy Loam). Hard pan beneath limits the vines’ ability to tap deeply for water, limiting yields and allowing more intense flavors. Racked by wind, the Zabala vineyard is the eldest and lies just north of the seasonal tributary. With relatively newer plantings the Griva Vineyard rests on a bench south of the river, in the heart of the AVA, while Cedar Lane Vineyard sits to the west in an alcove somewhat protected from wind.
Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested on separate dates over a three week span, the fruit was gently de-stemmed, with the resulting must racked to open-top bins. Following a two-day cold soak, the must was inoculated with RC212 (Burgundy yeast isolate) and the ensuing fermentation lasted 16 days. During this period each bin was punch-down by hand three times per day. Once pressed the wine was transferred to French oak barrels (Allier & Vosges origins). In total the various lots spent about ten months in barrel before being blended and bottled in August 2010.
Tasting Notes
The 2009 Mercy Vineyards Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir is light garnet in color, which makes the nose such a surprise. Loaded with aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, cherry, black pepper, and violets the nose suggests a monster of a Pinot Noir, but this is another trick. The palate is equally intense, but much lighter, with cranberry, cherry, rose, and lavender. The flavors are incredibly layered, with good acidity and spice carrying through on the finish.
Vineyards: Zabala Vyd (48%) Cedar Lane Vyd (40%) Griva Vyd (12%)
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Clones: Pommard (4), Martini (13), 115, 667, 777 & La Tache
Harvest: Sept 11, 23 & 25 and Oct 1 & 6, 2009
Aging: French Oak, 20% New Dargaud Jaegle & F. Freres
Bottled: August 25, 2010
Acidity: 0.64
pH: 3.67
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 1064 cases
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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