2014 Pinot Noir Moonshine Ranch 750 ml
Appellation
Russian River
The 2014 Moonshine Ranch Pinot Noir has aromas of cola, deep cherry, hyacinth flower, and black plum. It has a velvety texture and lengthy finish with root beer, leather, and blackberry pie flavors.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2014
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Russian River
Vineyard Designation
Moonshine Ranch
Alcohol %
15.5
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
This petite vineyard was planted in 1995 and 1996 at 2,500 vines per acre and is situated on rocky fertile ground with lots of exposed cobblestones. The rows are north/south oriented, which allows for indirect sunlight to have its effect on the even ripening clusters. Three Dijon clones were grafted onto rootstock to match climate behavior and the unique properties of each specific soil series. Moonshine Ranch is named for the century-old draughty barn on the property. The high raftered building stands as a relic for times of old, as its heyday was during the prohibition era, serving as a small factory for prune brandy.
Winemaker Notes
The growing year in 2014 was the third dry year in a row and was full of unforeseen challenges provided by Mother Nature. You would think the ongoing drought, excessive heat from March through June, and hail in early April would have brought down the quality of this vintage. Thankfully this was not the case! Even though the harvest was very early, the small berry size and healthy yields have produced very well balanced wines; they are not over-bearing in tannin or structure and are a pleasure to drink.
