HARVEST NOTES

All plants require water to grow, and grapevines are no exception. The 2021 growing season was our driest yet. The Maggy Hawk vineyard relies on rainfall in the winter and spring to fill our vineyard ponds to irrigate our vines during the summer months. These ponds ran dry a few weeks before harvest began. Fortunately, the grapes made it across the finish line without being affected by the drought. We typically harvest over 2-3 weeks. In 2021, everything was ready at once, and we harvested in just one and a half weeks. The clusters had a shorter ripening period and were harvested on the earlier side, which produced wines with intense hues, great acidity, and concentrated aromas and flavors.

WINEMAKING

Our 2021 Stormin' Pinot Noir is crafted from a unique selection of blocks and clones from all corners of the vineyard. Upon arriving at the winery, we separate the individual blocks and allow the grapes to cold soak for 5 days before raising the temperature and beginning fermentation. The fruit is then pressed very gently, and the free run is kept separate from the harder pressing and racked down to barrels. The wine is allowed to go through malolactic fermentation on its own before being left to age in 50% new French oak barrels for 18 months. Finished unfined and unfiltered.

TASTING NOTES

Big, rich and assertive. Stormin’ offers intense fresh blackberry and Mission fig complimented by bergamot tea, thyme and pennyroyal. A strong wine with muscular tannins and great acidy creates a dynamic and expressive palate while balancing the powerful flavors. A perfect wine for richer meals or to be enjoyed on its own.