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
94 Points
Opens up with an aromatic burst of black cherry jam, wild huckleberry, and a hint of crushed espresso bean. On the palate, the fruit is lush and primary, but it's the secondary notes—toasted nutmeg, dark chocolate truffle, and the signature 'Dry Creek Dust'—that provide a long, savory finish.
95 Points
Aromas of wild berries, black fig and ripe dark fruits are intertwined with hints of fresh mountain herbs, mineral, leather, savory spices, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, red currants and cassis are layered with notes of wild sage, dark chocolate truffle, cinnamon, clove, and a kiss of oak.
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.
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