High in the windswept Coast Range, a lone basalt boulder sits as an ancient and solitary guardian to Lonesome Rock Vineyard. At 700ft above sea-level, the site paradoxically combines cool temperatures with an unusual proliferation of “heat-trapping” chunks of stone mixed throughout the soil; a perfect setting for the early ripening 667 and 777 clones. The ample hang time reveals an exotically-spiced, vibrant and pure-fruited Pinot Noir.
The 2018 Lonesome Rock was fully destemmed and fermented in neutral vessels. Barrel aging took place in 30% new French oak for 16 months. The wine is brooding, floral and seductive, with dark raspberry, black cherry and incense swirling alongside new leather and baking spice aromas. The palate is firm, dense and mouth-filling with ample acidity freshening the mineral dominant finish. Beautiful now, but if you can resist for a few years, you’ll be rewarded.
