About This Wine
Belle Glos Dairyman Pinot Noir is a premium wine crafted by renowned winemaker Joe Wagner, sourced from the coveted Russian River Valley. Once a dairy farm, hence the name Dairyman, and pastureland, this vineyard has realized its greatest potential as a prime, virgin Pinot Noir vineyard. It was first planted in 2000 to a mix of Dijon clones 115, 667, and 777, all grafted on low-...
About This Wine
Belle Glos Dairyman Pinot Noir is a premium wine crafted by renowned winemaker Joe Wagner, sourced from the coveted Russian River Valley. Once a dairy farm, hence the name Dairyman, and pastureland, this vineyard has realized its greatest potential as a prime, virgin Pinot Noir vineyard. It was first planted in 2000 to a mix of Dijon clones 115, 667, and 777, all grafted on low-vigor rootstock 101-14.
The winemakers harvest early in the morning so the fruit would arrive at the winery while the grapes were still cool to preserve the vineyard-fresh flavors. After destemming (but not crushing) the berries, winemakers cold-soak the fruit for up to two weeks to soften the skins and allow for ideal extraction. During fermentation in a combination of closed and open-top stainless steel fermenters, the team uses both punch-downs and pump-overs to extract color and tannins, and also to control temperatures and maximize flavors. They age the wine in 100% French oak (60% new) for up to nine months. After the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, they rack it twice before making the final blend. This rich, complex and elegant wine captivates the senses with its deep ruby color and fragrant aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine offers a harmonious balance of fruit, oak, and tannins, creating a silky-smooth mouthfeel and a long, satisfying finish. Belle Glos' commitment to producing the great expressions of pinot noir is evident across everyone one of their pinot noirs but Dairyman touches upon artform.
Score
94 points — Tasting Panel (2023 vintage)
