Pinot Noir Annapolis Vineyard  2017

L'Usine Cellars

Pinot Noir Annapolis Vineyard
2017

Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
California
Subregion
Sonoma, Sonoma Coast
Varietal(s)
Pinot Noir 100 %
Colour
Red
Producer's website

About this winery

L’usine is the latest collection of evocative wines from master winemaker Dave Phinney. Inspired by Andy Warhol, Dave chose the name L’usine (French for factory) to pay homage to Wharhol’s iconic studio “The Factory” which was an eclectic gathering place for artistic celebration and inspiration. Fine wine, like fine art, elicits romantic visions. Vineyards drenched in dappled sunlight or candle lit caves. Wine like art is raw. It requires years of hard work

See the L'Usine Cellars detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

Annapolis is located in the Sonoma Coast and is 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 12, 10,14 and 1 were farmed for L’usine. Clones 777, 115 and Elite, less than 2 tons per acre.

Production notes

100% Destemmed - 4-5 Day Cold Soak - All picks and lots kept separate - 14-18 Days on the skins. Punched down 3-4x a day depending on each lot. Gravity racked to barrel and sat on the lees; no stirring. Aged 9.5 months in French oak, 43% new. Predominantly Ermitage and Alain Fouquet. Not fined; lightly filtered.

Tasting notes

Nuance et intrigue caractérisent le vin, commençant par un pourpre foncé et une bordure rubis mais se manifestant par les arômes : poivre blanc, muscade, cannelle, clou de girofle, résine de pin et crème de menthe. Une entrée dominée par une vive acidité, le milieu de bouche explore des saveurs de rhubarbe, de sarriette et un soupçon de fraise des bois avec une longue finale indicative d'un vieillissement gracieux.

Press reviews

Wine Advocate

- 95 points -

This new wine from David Phinney (creator of the famous/infamous brand, The Prisoner) was aged for nine months in oak barrels, 44% new. Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2017 Pinot Noir Annapolis Vineyard rolls seductively out of the glass with a gorgeous perfume of lilacs, jasmine and fallen leaves over a core of black raspberries, pomegranate and tilled soil. Full-bodied, the palate sparks off a whole array of super-concentrated red berry and floral accents, complementing the intense earthy/savory characters, finishing wonderfully perfumed.

See detailed press review