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Thursday, May 29, 2014

Pence Winery - very small production


"This is a new estate (2010 was their first release and they have additional plantings of Chardonnay just now coming online) and they’re one to keep on your radar." - The Wine Advocate

We are excited to find this great up and coming new Pinot Noir star from California.  This is only their second vintage but it is an impressive line up.  

2011 Pence Ranch Pinot Noir Estate....$29.99
This is our main Estate wine which represents the essence of Pence Ranch, with grapes sourced from each block of our vineyard all of which are on rich clay soils. It is blended as an approachable, friendly wine and intended to over-deliver at a reasonable price. At the
same time, the Estate Pinot Noir retains the seriousness of its underlying terroir, with great depth and character. As our flagship wine, it represents our best effort to capture all the distinct flavors from the various clones and climats available to our winemaker and meld them
into one delicious blend. It is enjoyable now, but will certainly age. Fermented as 20% whole-cluster. 14.2% alcohol. 515 cases produced.

2011 Pence Ranch Vineyards Pinot Noir Uplands...$39.99
Uplands is from three specific blocks at our highest elevations and is planted on calcareous rock and clay. The row orientations are north/south; however the sun aspects and slopes vary considerably because of its pinnacle location with 360˚ of exposure. This micro-site within the vineyard is also far more wind protected than the west blocks, resulting in a subtle, nuanced wine with distinct minerality emanating from the calcareous soils. It is a deeper, more focused effort designed for aging. Fermented as 20% whole-cluster. 72 cases produced.

2011 Pence Ranch Vineyards And Winery Pinot Noir Westslope...$49.99
Westslope is blended from our steepest, oldest and most wind exposed blocks that require rigorous and intensive farming practices because it is such a challenging environment. Our steel vine posts in fact are breaking in half due to the force of the winds. Fortunately, these west-facing blocks posses rich clay soils, providing superior hydration capacity and nutrients. This dichotomy of stress and support creates a perfect environment for growing grapes of profundity and pure expression, and creates a very unique terroir expression. With its intense, concentrated fruit and tannins, the Westslope is destined to age gracefully, yet its lushness encourages early consumption. Fermented as 20% whole-cluster. 71 cases produced.

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