La Fenetre Bien Nacido Pinot Noir 2011
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Delicate, high-toned aromas of tight red raspberries, dried rose petals, pencil shavings and rust introduce this wine by Joshua Klapper. The palate is very alive, linear and focused on a blend of turned earth and brown spice.
Having apprenticed with some of California and the world’s best winemakers, namely Jim Clendenen (Au Bon Climat), Bob Lindquist (Qupé), and Jim Adelman (Makor) a classic technique and delicate hand is always employed in the winery. All grapes are harvested around 23.5 brix (13.5-14% Alc.). Wherever possible, La Fenêtre is committed to sustainable, organic, and biodynamic vineyard practices. Reds are destemmed into 1½ ton fermenters and punched down by hand until dry. The free run juice is then collected, the must is gently pressed, and the wine is aged in small French barrels for 11-23 months before being bottled. Whites are whole cluster pressed, allowed to settle for one day and fermented in barrel where they undergo the alcoholic fermentation and then 100% Malolactic fermentation. They then spend 11-18 months in small French barrels before being bottled.
Santa Maria Valley lies mainly in northern Santa Barbara County, with a small portion of it overlapping southern San Luis Obispo County. It is close to the Pacific, and runs east-west, which means warmer air in the eastern end draws cool air off the ocean in the west, and brings it through the valley. This effect, combined with abundant sunshine, lengthens the growing season. The longer growing season leads to long hang time, which promotes both ripeness and optimal acidity levels in grape berries. As early as the 1970’s, Santa Maria Valley was recognized as being a superior source of wine grapes, certainly including Chardonnay and Syrah. But arguably the top variety here is Pinot Noir.
Originally a domain primarily of growers, including the Miller Family of the justifiably famous Bien Nacido Vineyard, this AVA is now home to over 30 wineries. Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir consistently offers full flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, often accompanied by notes of spice, cola, vanilla and earth. They show impressive balance and elegance, as well as great versatility with food.