2018 Swan Terrace Pinot Noir

Comes from a specific 1.5-acre (0.6-ha) section of Alpine Vineyard planted to a field blend of Swan Pinot Noir clones at an elevation of 1,210 to 1,300 ft (370 to 400 m) above sea level. This section of the vineyard faces east at a slope of 20% and features 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) of topsoil above soft Purisima shales. Perfumed scents of raspberry fruit tinged with a touch of cocoa powder and lavender. Gorgeous raspberry fruit has an orange-peel brightness thanks to fantastic acidity. Powdery tannins ghost the edges of the mouth as a stunning earthy note mixes with the raspberry fruit. Silky, almost creamy in the finish. Arresting and remarkable with great poise and balance. (AY)

The 2018 Pinot Noir Swan Terrace comes from a tiny 1.5-acre terrace in the Alpine Vineyard and is all Swan clone of Pinot Noir. It offers more stemmy notes of red and black fruits, smoked herbs, and forest floor and mushroom nuances. As with all of these 2018s, the level of nuance and complexity is incredible, and this develops and changes with air and has that classic Pinot Noir mix of sweet fruit and earthy, underbrush, and sous bois character that keeps you coming back to the glass. Medium to full-bodied, silky, and elegant on the palate, it has solid underlying structure and is going to drink fabulously well for 15 years or more.

The 2018 Pinot Noir Swan Terrace emerges from a steep, east-facing parcel within Alpine planted with a number of different versions of the Swan clone Pinot. It is one of the most ethereal, perfumed wines in the range. Crushed rose petal, blood orange, sweet red berries, pine and mint give the Swan Terrace its signature aromatic profile. This is such a nuanced and totally distinctive wine.