L’Usine Annapolis Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 – 750ml Not specified

95pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2018 Pinot Noir Annapolis Vineyard comes skipping out of the glass with dramatic notes of candied violets, black raspberries, kirsch and dark chocolate with nuances of lavender, underbrush and truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid frame of ripe, plush tannins and lively acidity supporting the perfumed red berry layers, finishing long with loads of spices coming through.

93pts Wine Spectator

This powerfully fruity red is filled with unctuous spiciness to the intense blackberry tart and dried blueberry flavors, showing hints of black licorice. Ends with chocolate croissant accents on the finish.

92pts Wine Enthusiast

Reductive, leathery and dense in ripe red fruit, this bold wine is made in a big style from a cool, coastal site. Forest floor and black tea contrast well against its richer tendencies, finishing in fresh, citrusy undertones.

Winemaker Notes

Clearly the darkest of the three wines, the 2018 Annapolis Ridge Vineyard shows a dark garnet core with a neon cardinal rim. Aromatically, the wine offers notes of clove, cola and sweet black cherry. On the palate, prominent acidity takes over and assists by throwing wild blueberry, olallieberry, and freshly picked tarragon across the tongue. The finish is framed by an intriguing texture of soft velvet and dust paired with crisp acidity indicative of its aging potential.

Vineyard Notes

Annapolis is located in the Sonoma Coast and planted on a 30 degree slope in Goldridge fine sand loam soil. The ranch is extremely isolated and requires a lot of handwork to farm. Blocks 10, 14, and 12 farmed for l’usine, Clones 777, 115 and 828.
De-clumping and green passes in each block.
All hand-harvested.
Less than 2 tons per acre.