Vineyard Notes: This wine is made up of a mix of Dijon clones (95 and 76) from this east facing slope just up the hill from The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines. The non-irrigated vines are on rootstock in volcanic basalt soils and were planted in 2000. The rows in the Southside block sit around 425′ elevation and are fairly wide, as this 60-acre vineyard was originally established in 1973. It is farmed sustainably by Paul Durant.
Vinification Notes: Crushed into the press, the must was allowed to brown for 12 hours before being sulfured. No press cuts were made before a maximum juice yield was reached. After 24 hours of cold settling, it was racked off solids into warming stainless tank and a pied de cuve was added. After ambient yeast fermentation started, Durant racked into oak. Primary finished in mid-January and malolactic completed in mid-February. Durant aged for 11.5 months in 40% new oak from a 265L Damy Jura Long Light barrel and 60% third fill oak from a 350L Damy Vosges Medium Long puncheon before being racked off lees into steel for a second winter. Cold stabilized and bottled unfiltered on February 11, 2022. Closed with 49x24mm ‘Extra’ Aquitaine Liege punch cork.
Tasting Notes: Generous and striking aromas of white nectarine toast, peach pit, ginger, lemon waffle, and wet, musky minerals. Densely packed and layered flavors, a chalky texture and energetic acidity gives the wine dimension as it finishes long with notes of citrus, stone fruit and sandalwood.
Light, shimmering yellow. Intense, mineral- and lees-accented citrus and orchard fruit scents show excellent clarity and hints of honeysuckle and white flowers. Displays strong tension on the palate, offering juicy, smoke-accented pear and Meyer lemon flavors that show fine definition and mineral lift. The mineral quality carries strongly through the long, penetrating finish, which leaves behind repeating citrus fruit and floral notes. 22% new oak. 94pts
— Josh Raynolds-VINOUS about 2019 Vintage