Belle Glos Balade

THE WORD BALADE, FRENCH FOR “WANDERING,” IS A FITTING TERM FOR OUR ANNUAL EXPLORATION OF SINGLE-VINEYARD PINOT NOIR BLOCKS ON THE WEST COAST. EACH VINTAGE, WE WILL BOTTLE ONLY THE MOST COMPELLING AND NUANCED EXPRESSION OF PINOT NOIR FROM A SINGLE SELECTED VINEYARD AND RELEASE IT AS A LIMITED BOTTLING, RESTAURANT-FOCUSED.

During the 2021 growing season, one vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills AVA captivated us with its lovely fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, gorgeous color, and amazing complexity.  We harvested early in the morning so the fruit would arrive at the winery while the grapes were still cool to preserve their vineyard-fresh flavors. After destemming (but not crushing) the berries, we cold-soaked the must for 14 days to soften the skins and allow for ideal extraction. During fermentation in a combination of closed and open-top stainless steel fermenters, we used both punch-down and pump-over techniques to extract color and phenolics. We aged the wine in 100% French oak (60% new) for up to 12 months. After the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, we racked it twice before bottling

Tasting Notes

Dark violet in color with aromas of dark fruit and toasted brioche with a hint of baking spice. Bold and sophisticated on the palate with blackberry, boysenberry, French toast, black pepper, and a trace of cinnamon. This wine is beguiled with complexity and a light refreshing approach, yet not overly bold on the palate.