MERCY
2009 Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco
Cedar Lane Vineyard

93 Points - Bacchus & Berry
90 Points - Tasting Panel Magazine
Gold Medal - 2013 Critics Challenge 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
Located on Arroyo Seco Road, this 60-acre vineyard is owned by Mark Chesebro and farmed by Michael Griva. Found at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains the sand and cobblestone soils are well draining, which help to diminish yields. The vineyard is planted to multiple varietals, including 7 different clones of Pinot Noir.

Winemaking Notes
The Pinot Noir was hand-harvested on September 23, 2009. At the winery, the fruit was gently crushed and de-stemmed with the must racked to tank. Cold-soaked for two days the juice was inoculated and spent the 15 days extracting color and favors from the skins. Following the extraction period the must was pressed and the wine racked to French oak barrels. Aged for over ten months the wine was bottled on August 25, 2010.

Tasting Notes
This enchanting wine epitomizes the elegance and richness of Pinot Noir from Arroyo Seco AVA. Loaded with juicy berry fruit, the bouquet fills with raspberry and wild huckleberry. In its recesses aromas of pomegranate, rustic bread, cinnamon, roses and earthy characters abound. Dark in color, on the palate this wine shows a great red berry and cherry core along with firm acidity and supple tannins.

Vineyards:  Cedar Lane Vineyard
Composition:  100% Pinot Noir
Clones:  60% - Pommard Clone 4, 40% -“Dijon” Clone 667
Harvest:  September 23, 2009
Aging:  French Oak, 30% New Dargaud & Jaegle (cooper)
Bottled:  August 25, 2010
Acidity:  0.59
pH:  3.61
Alcohol:  14.5%
Production:  206 cases

Tasting Notes  PDF

About The Winery...

Mercy Vineyards is the fruition of friendships. Vintners Mark Dirickson and Mike Kohne have known one another for over a decade and have, collectively, been in the wine industry for over 45 years. Their experiences lead them to believe that the regional aspects of the Arroyo Seco AVA make it one of world's ideal growing regions for the wines they produce. Sourcing idyllic fruit, the wines are vinified by Mark and Mike's long-time friend and distinguished winemaker Alan Phillips. Produced in small lots, Alan employs classical winemaking techniques to help enhance the overall character of the Mercy wines.

More at www.mercywines.com.

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