Producer | Dragonette |
Country | USA |
Region | Santa Barbara |
Varietal | Pinot Noir |
Vintage | 2021 |
Sku | 17538 |
Size | 750ml |
The Black Label program was forged from a single barrel in 2010 that simply insisted that we create a cuvee of our most expressive Pinot Noirs from our favorite vineyards. Since then, this wine has gone on to become a Club favorite and to garner consistently high critical praise and even a 100 point score (from Jeb Dunnuck on 2019 version). We think the 2021, being a product of a long cool vintage is right up there with the 2019.
The 2021 Black Label is particularly interesting in that the blend consists of barrels from 6 of our Pinot Noir vineyards (7 different clones). The final blend is comprised of: Fiddlestix (40%), Radian (20%), Bentrock (20%), Sanford & Benedict (7%), Rancho La Vina (7%) and La Rinconada (6%). Additionally, the outstanding 2021 vintage permitted us to utilize more whole clusters in the various lots. The 2021 Black Label is 13% whole cluster as well. Each of these characteristics increases complexity.
The 2021 Black Label was aged on its lees for 19 months in French oak barrels (40% new) and bottled unfiltered. We think it is remarkable expressive for such a dramatically scaled, well structured wine, and its silky texture and impeccable balance will yield a tremendous aging curve.
Bright cherry red with dark core. Spiced raspberry, black tea, cola, sage, vanilla sugar, and torched orange peel on the nose. Youthful and vibrant with undertones of turned earth and truffle that will surely blossom over the next several years. Supple palate, brimming with red and black fruits, toasted clove, cola, and sea salt. Sturdy structure with ripe tannins, dazzling acidity and a lengthy finish. Drink now–2035.
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