2021 Synthesis Pinot Noir Russian River
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S$12298
Vintage: 2021
Country: USA
Region: California
The inception of Synthesis was in 1997, with the intention of making a flagship wine that was a defining representation for our love for the vintage. In its most essential form, it is a tribute to our dedication in the cellar, the pinnacle of the fruits of our labor. Acknowledging the quality of the fruit we have access to, and the breadth of terroir that shapes the wine, we set out to highlight each Synthesis vintage by blending our best barrels.
Designed to be a balance of integration, Synthesis is a culmination of contrasting elements. Inspired by the nuances and depth of its parts, we blend our top barrels each vintage to represent two iconic appellations. From the clonal diversity on our Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, to the variance and complexity of fruit sourced from the mountains and valley floor in Napa, we feel each element integral in the evolution of the blend. A harmonious balance, Synthesis, in essence, flaunts the finest characteristics from each of its diverse components.
SYNTHESIS HISTORY
The inception of Synthesis was in 1997, with the intention of making a flagship wine that was a defining representation for our love for the vintage. In its most essential form, it is a tribute to our dedication in the cellar, the pinnacle of the fruits of our labor. Acknowledging the quality of the fruit we have access to, and the breadth of terroir that shapes the wine, we set out to highlight each Synthesis vintage by blending our best barrels.
Designed to be a balance of integration, Synthesis is a culmination of contrasting elements. Inspired by the nuances and depth of its parts, we blend our top barrels each vintage to represent two iconic appellations. From the clonal diversity on our Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, to the variance and complexity of fruit sourced from the mountains and valley floor in Napa, we feel each element integral in the evolution of the blend. A harmonious balance, Synthesis, in essence, flaunts the finest characteristics from each of its diverse components.
THE WINE
The cornerstone of our Pinot Noir program, our Estate represents the most Burgundian of all our single vineyards, offering a core of lean, bracing acidity with complex fruit.
SOURCING
Home Ranch Block and Tower Block
VINEYARD NOTES
Our 12-acre estate vineyard is comprised of six different clones grown in highly regarded Goldridge soil. The largest section of our vineyard, which slopes down toward the Santa Rosa Laguna is planted with notable Dijon clones including 667, 777, 115, 828, and 943. Our smaller vineyard, which we refer to as “The Tower Block” is comprised entirely of Clone 37, which is our legacy to our winery’s namesake.
VINTAGE NOTES
The culmination of factors from another drought year in California surprised us with a beautiful vintage. An unseasonably dry and mild winter, which led to an early spring, forced the vines into bud break during peak frost season. A relatively warm, but even summer, resulted in early harvest dates, with lower-than-average yields.
WINEMAKING NOTES
The clones were fermented separately in single open-top fermenters. Gentle punch-downs followed with a brief maceration period. Maintained at moderate temperatures until dry, basket-pressed, and racked to 30% new French oak for 12 months. Blended two weeks prior to bottling to achieve ideal balance.
TASTING NOTES
Deep, with black raspberry and wet earth on a core of Morello cherry and fresh hibiscus. Dark, purple fruited and taut, with touches of wild rose, candied fennel seed and clove. Fleshy, with refined tannins layered over vibrant acidity with hints of fresh nutmeg on the finish.
JAMES SUCKLING 93 PTS
"A juicy and layered pinot with strawberry pie, wet earth and mushroom. Orange peel, too. Shows tension with richness. Medium to full body. Medium velvety tannins. Drink now."
