This sold-out Barrel Climber bottling captures the essence of what this series is all about – time and care getting to know every barrel we produce, combined with the desire to make something new, wonderful and unexpected to offer alongside our old favorites. Two barrels of 2013 Pinot Noir – from two vineyard blocks we had never combined before – grabbed our attention so much they practically begged us to try them together. It only took one trial blend to realize this was a special match indeed!

Fruit from Robert’s Road in the Petaluma Gap (the base of our Sascha Marie Pinot) and our favorite block at Cleary Ranch in Freestone (the heart and soul of our Small Town Pinot) came together to produce a wine with tremendous synergy and a fascinating range of flavors. The first lot brings weight and black fruit overtones while the latter lifts the aromatics with a spicy, savory backbone and great vitality. Adding extra polish and depth, 50% of the wine was aged in a new proprietary “reserve” barrel from one of our favorite French coopers offering subtle and harmonious support perfectly integrated into the blend.

Captivating nuance, dramatic depth, with a generous satin texture, dark fruits and exotic mocha/spice accents, this is a “wow” wine. Obviously we are quite smitten with this micro cuvee (45 cases) and cannot wait to share it with you.