2019 Pinot Noir Opa's Block Bucher Vineyard Russian River Valley

92 points ~ Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine

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Opa’s Block is all Dijon 943 Clone with 100% whole cluster fermentation. Our winemaker, Adam Lee “loves 943” and has been bottling this scarcely grown clone since 2009. Adam said that 943 is the most different Dijon clone he has worked with and offered further details. He said, “943 definitely has some of the smallest berries we have. Often times the berries are seedless. Because of this, we often choose to pick it early since those tiny seedless berries go away if any heat arises. You can get a pretty good crop with 943 but you need to leave more clusters as the clusters are low in weight (with most clones we get 4 to 5 clusters per pound but with 943 it more like 8 to 10 clusters per pound).” The chemistry of grape stems has an impact on the wine, particularly the tannic character and structure of this wine. Additionally, the stems had lignified, or turn brown and woody, which adds depth to the wine along with flavors of forest floor and underbrush.

Tasting Notes

The nose greets with intense, concentrated aromas of red fruit woven with an inviting mineral essence and traces of loamy earth. From the first sip, the silky tannins soothe the palate as the deep, dark flavors are released. Savor the ripe, robust fruit—red currant, tart cherry, dried fig, blackberry, dark plum, and blood orange—as it merges with hints of cardamom and nuances of cocoa powder. The lingering finish contributes notes of cedar, underbrush, and sarsaparilla. An elegant wine that showcases the depth and power of a Pinot that is also harmonious and complex.

Production Notes

61 cases produced

Cooperage Notes

10 months in French oak. 66% in new François Frères French oak; 34% 2 year-old oak barrels