Due to its southern location, Los Carneros is Napa and Sonoma County’s coolest appellation with summer temperatures normally below 80 degrees. Similar to the cool climate Mount Veeder region immediately to the north, it is one of the few appellations that excels with both red and white grapes. The fruit for our 2016 Carneros Pinot Noir is sourced from Cornerstone Vineyard located in Los Carneros in Sonoma County. The Pinot Noir is crafted from the famed Dijon clones 115, 667, 777, which creates a elegant wine with vivid fruit and floral aromatics.
The grapes were handpicked in the end of August, sorted and de-stemmed into small fermentation bins and allowed to cold soak for 3 days to help stabilize the color and enhance flavors. It was fermented with native yeast for 14 days and punched down 3 times a day to increase extraction of color and phenolic compounds. Gently pressed and aged on fine less for 14 months in 100% French Oak with 25% new to preserve the delicate notes and mouthfeel. Only 4 barrels produced.
A boutique and elegant wine, our 2016 Kukeri Los Carneros Pinot Noir is silky in texture and complex in flavor, with black cherry and rose petal, fusing perfectly with an exotic undertone of licorice and vanilla oak. In the glass, bright light red hues, darker to the edge, medium weight on the palate balanced with bright acidity. Long and luscious finish.