VML 2017 Earth Pinot Noir

Crafting the Earth is always a lesson in hedonism. Common knowledge dictates Pinot Noir live in the cooler climates off the coast, with the influence of the Ocean dominating its terroir. We generally respect that dogma, but for this particular blend we thought it would be interesting to do things a little bit differently. So a hypothesis was created: How does meticulously farmed Pinot Noir grow in slightly less cool climates, particularly the more eastern portions of the Russian River?
Earth is the result of this hypothesis. Egregious fruit, chewy tannins, forest remnants, and we think damn fine wine.
Our 2017 shows aromatic notes of mushroom, Maraschino cherry, rose petal, and wet soil. The palate is cigar box, earth dust, blackberry, and cherry jam. The tongue strains to hold the wine’s midpalate weight, but the tannins are quite soft and smooth given the concentration. A long finish rounds out the palate, with hints of sweet fruit lingering.