Sanglier Cellars 2019 Emilia’s Cuvée Pinot Noir

FARMING

  Our vineyards are chosen for very specific reasons. The proper grape varietal must be planted where the climatic conditions promote ripeness, but not planted on a site that allows ripening too easily. The soil conditions must promote drainage and provide balanced nutrition. The grape varietal, clone, and rootstock must be in balance with the soils and climate. Then it is simply a function of the year God gives us and the hard work we put in. We walk the vineyards weekly, work with the crew to prune for proper spacing, remove unwanted shoots and morningside leaves to shelter each cluster in a light shade. We thin the fruit to ensure each cluster hangs freely and ripens with the right amount of leaves per cane for the best in flavor, acidity and aromas. Hard work, good work, in fact delicious work!

Henry David Vineyard

 We began farming here  in 2005 and implemented an intense farming program to grow the best grapes possible for this Bennett Valley site. New cover crops, annual composting, and some replanting resulted in a chardonnay and pinot vineyard unrivaled in Bennett Valley. Gently rolling hills, cobbly loam soils, and brisk night time temperatures are the perfect home for these grapes. Replants and grafting allowed us to introduce the heritage pinot clones of Calera and Swan to the vineyard. 

WINEMAKING

Handsorted, with seventy-five percent destemmed and twenty-five percent whole cluster selection for the fermentation. We ferment over 14 days keeping the temperature around 86 degrees F. Temperature, oxygen levels and fermentation vigor are managed through hand punch downs with the occasional pump over. The focus is aromatic development because we know the flavors produced in this vineyard always come through. Aged in French oak barrels, we racked this wine only once. It is always my preference to let pinot rest peacefully. Unfined and unfiltered this is a natural expression of my winemaking.

THE WINE (Notes Written September 10, 2021)

 Refreshing and vibrant, some might say a little nervy.  The 2019 vintage gave us grapes leaning more to the old world style of Burgundy than California. We went with it and the wine is pretty, elegant, and clean. Strawberry that wafts between sweet and ripe and slightly tart. Delicate spice and hints of sweet oak. A wonderful, mouth watering finish. Inviting in the glass, a true delight with dinner.

J. Glenn Alexander

Founding Farmer & Winemaker

APPELLATION Bennett Valley

VINEYARD Henry David

100% Pinot Noir Calera, Swan & Pommard Clones 

AGING 16 months French Oak 50% new oak

230 CASES PRODUCE

ALCOHOL/PH/TA

13.5%/ 3.62/ 5.3 g/L

RETAIL PRICE

$60