Wines> Library Wines> 2001 Arcus Estate Pinot Noir
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ORIGIN: Arcus, meaning "bow" in Latin, describes our estate vineyard that wraps around both sides of a small valley in the Red Hills of Dundee. Capturing the distinctive terroir, this single vineyard wine rewards Pinot Noir devotees with an expansive nose, elegant finish, and superior expression of true Pinot Noir crafted in Burgundian tradition.
VINEYARD: The vines at Arcus Estate are planted on a very steep slope that complicates farming, but produces intensely flavored, rich fruit. This wine was made from 1978 and 1986 plantings of self-rooted Pommard clones blended with Dijon clones 114 and 777 grown on South, Southwest and West facing slopes. The grapes in Arcus Estate were harvested in mid to late September of 2001. Moderate temperatures throughout the growing season helped achieve flavor ripeness while warmer October days brought sugar ripeness to perfection, producing very balanced fruit. The 2001 vintage wines show tremendous grace and elegance.
WINEMAKING: A unique finesse was achieved by the delicate and gentle handling of grapes throughout the winemaking process in our 100% gravity flow facility. The fermentation for the 2001 Arcus Estate was conducted in the traditional Archery Summit style. Using 25% whole clusters, the fruit was soaked cold for five days before primary fermentation was allowed to proceed. Primary fermentation was conducted in tank entirely by indigenous yeasts, during which time tanks were manually punched down 1-6 times per day. After primary fermentation the wine was sent to barrel by gravity and then aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 10 months prior to bottling in September 2002.
TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas of marion berry, huckleberry, allspice, sandalwood smoke and carnation. The palate opens into flavors of red currant, Bing cherry and white pepper. The tannins and oak are well integrated and lend power and depth to this balanced and fruit-driven wine. The finish is long and persists with red cherry and rosewood, creating an elegant and complex wine which is ready to be enjoyed now and for the next five to ten years.
This vintage produced only 1,986 cases. It is also offered in 3-liter formats in limited quantities.