Hogan’s Run Vineyard is a tiny six-acre vineyard located on a hilltop and named after the owners’ dog Hogan. This small batch of 5 barrels is made from clones 667 and 777. The wine is rather intense for pinot with dark red color, opulent spice, and intense fruit. This seductive wine is a fi¬ne expression of the famous Russian River Valley Pinot Noir style.

This is our first wine from Hogan’s Run Vineyard. The vineyard is located in the Russian River Valley which is one of the premium Pinot Noir growing appellations of California. Its proximity to the Paci¬fic Ocean provides the cooling effect that is so important for Pinot Noir, along with the perfect soil for growing high-quality Pinot. This wine is an equal blend of clones 777 and 667.

The grapes were harvested during the night and early morning of September 24th, 2015. I had to deliver the empty bins that night to the vineyard site and for those of you who have not been to Anderson Valley, it is a spectacular drive through windy roads and redwood forests.

At the winery, a portion of the grapes was placed on the bottom of the tank in whole clusters and then covered with whole berry grapes. About 30% of the fruit was fermented in half-ton bins. After being cold-soaked for about three days, yeast was added to start the fermentation. After 7 days the free run wine was pumped into barrels and inoculated for malolactic fermentation.

This Russian River Valley Pinot Noir balances power and elegance. Its predominant red fruit aromas are supported by the judicious use of new French oak barrels. Cherry, cranberry and even some cassis and wild berry fragrances transcend the nose with soft heart notes of earthiness. There is also a suggestion of rose petals and slight orange blossom as well. The mouthfeel is fresh, round, juicy with a surprising but deliciously fi¬rm fi¬nish. This wine will age wonderfully for 7-9 years.