VINEYARD

Located near the town of Comptche, only nine miles from the Pacific Ocean, the Oppenlander Vineyard is rapidly becoming one of the most celebrated vineyards in Mendocino. Planted on its own roots, the vines seamlessly uptake nutrients, ripening beautifully and producing grapes with a unique local identity.  The slightly cooler climate helps this vineyard produce a wine with an intense backbone and a vivid color, without overpowering the delicate aromas and smooth mouthfeel desirable in a Pinot Noir.

METHOD

This wine is made using old world methods and a completely natural approach to vinification.  Harvest by hand on October 1st & 12th, each clone was fermented separately in small open-top tanks using native yeast.  After a 6-day cold soak, the grapes were punched down by hand for 18 days, then pressed in a basket press.  The wine is aged gently in 100% neutral French oak barrels for 20 months before being bottled. 

WINE

We use a mix of clones to produce this wine, focusing on Pommard, 114, and a little 115. The resulting wine is full of dark red fruits such as cranberry and black cherry.  The nose starts with bramble and quickly gives way to black tea and rose petal.  Rich in minerals and focused fruit, the wine slowly unfolds to reveal its elegance and complexity.  Expressive now, our 2009 Oppenlander is best when enjoyed with food over an evening, and will reward with decanting.

GROWER:   Bill & Norman Shandel                      FERMENTATION:  Whole Berry

APPELLATION:  Mendocino                                                YEAST:   Native/Natural

LOCATION:   North of Comptche                                                                 PH:  3.64
VARIETAL:   Pinot Noir                                                                                    TA:   .67

SELECTION:   Pommard 5, 115, 114                                            ALCOHOL:   13.5%

VINEYARD AGE:   Planted in 1998             MATURATION:   Neutral French Barrels

SOIL TYPE:   Gravely Clay Loam  BLEND:            50% Pommard, 35% 114, 15% 115

HARVEST DATE:   October 1st & 12th                                         PRODUCTION:   300 Cases