2023 “The Bench” Pinot Noir

TASTING NOTES
“The Bench” showcases the most aromatic and and full-bodied lots, yet the structure is elegant, silky and light on its feet. The old-vine Martini Clone vines exhibit a classic delicacy, with aromas of rose petals and fresh cherry and cranberry, and vibrant flavors of cherry, raspberry and pomegranate with cocoa and vanilla accents. A graceful wine, complex, intricate, and irresistible.
HISTORY
Poseidon Vineyard, located at the confluence of Carneros Creek and the Napa River, was planted in 1973 by the Molnar Family to the Burgundian varietals: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The maritime environment of the Carneros grape-growing region delivers cool, foggy mornings followed by warm days that slowly nurture ripening. This seaside influence is particularly acute on our estate, where one can see the masts of boats bobbing in the water just a few steps to the south. The prominent feature of our vineyard is the gravelly, geological “Bench”—the elevated, rocky, former riverbank of Carneros Creek—that runs serpentine through the center of the site. From this unique geological feature spring some of our most distinct, small-production wines.
VINTAGE 2023
Back to back years of ample rains replenished vines that had been struggling from many years of drought. This was generally great news for our vineyards and environment, and brought balanced flavors to the grapes. The pervasive breezy conditions at this seaside site ensured no concerns of mildew or botrytis despite the moisture throughout the season.
WINEMAKING
The three sections of our two-acre “Bench” from our Poseidon Vineyard are harvested and fermented and aged separately in 100% Hungarian oak barrels, 15% new. The wine is a barrel selection of only the most highly aromatic, bright, lively and elegant barrels. We rack this Pinot Noir only once before bottling to maintain the pure fruit expression.
Alex Beloz, Winemaker