1995 Littorai Pinot Noir One Acre Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Sits on a hilltop at 1,600 ft of elevation in the north-east range of mountains above Boonville on Bearwallow loam over marine-origin sandstone. The site is exposed to the north-west, a source of the cool breezes from the Pacific. Replanted in 2005, this site is farmed using organic and biodynamic methods but is not certified. Free-run juice from a combination of destemmed fruit and roughly 30% whole-clusters ferments with ambient yeasts in a combination of steel and wood, utilising both punchdowns and pumpovers, with the wines pressed at dryness. Aged for 14–17 months in 20–25% new French oak on the lees with no racking. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Light to medium ruby. Aromas of forest floor, dried herbs, dried flowers and red berries. Fleecy tannins coat the mouth and wrap around a core of raspberry and cranberry flavours with dried herbs, forest floor, dried flowers and a hint of smoked meat. Still-vibrant acidity leaves citrus peel and herbs in the finish. Delicious and supple. (AY)
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Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Ted Lemon is not the first to exploit Pinot Noir in the Anderson Valley, but he is one of the best. In retasting the 1995 Pinot Noirs, the 1995 Pinot Noir One Acre is a delicate, delicious, soft, round, berry-laden, hedonistic Pinot. It is ideal for drinking now and over the next 3-4 years. This small artisanal producer has moved to a barn/winery high on Howell Mountain, adjacent to the Black Sears Vineyard. Proprietors Heidi and Ted Lemon continue to turn out some of California's most elegant, flavorful, subtle wines. Littorai's wines are only available via their mailing list. Tel. (707) 963-4762; Fax (707) 963-7332
About the producer
Littorai stands as one of California’s most quietly influential estates, defined by organic and biodynamic farming, site transparency, and a restrained, Burgundian sensibility.