2019 Moses Hall Vineyard Pinot Noir
The Moses-Hall vineyard is in one of the coolest areas of Carneros, close to San Pablo Bay. The constant winds keep it cool, and the well-draining gravelly soils stress the vines and concentrate the flavors. Those aromas and flavors are on full display with soft red fruit notes and an earthy-savory counterpoint.
2019 was an excellent year. The modestly wet winter led to an unusual spring with six inches of rain in late May. The extra water caused strong vine canopy growth necessitating extra leaf pulling to improve air flow and suppress disease. No significant problems persisted as the vines moved into a delightful summer, with warm days tempered by cool afternoon winds from the Pacific. Crop levels were average and weather at harvest was particularly pleasant, with the fruit ripening evenly, and critically, not too quickly. The 2019 wines have rich, supple structures with fine-grained, plush tannins supported by juicy, fresh fruit flavors and clearly defined vineyard characters. These precocious, delicious wines should require less cellar time to reach an ideal drinking stage.
As the name implies, Moses-Hall Vineyard is owned by two of the Patz & Hall cofounders: Anne Moses and James Hall. Anne and James purchased the property (which is located between Hudson and Hyde vineyards in the southern part of Carneros) in 1999. One of the coolest areas of Carneros, close to San Pablo Bay where the chilly pacific winds roll over the vineyard from two directions, the vineyard is situated on an uplifted knoll with well-draining gravelly soils. The vineyard was planted to James and Anne’s specifications to five selections of Pinot Noir: 777, Swan, Calera, 828 and 115. With 20 years of vine age, the vineyard consistently yields grapes that produce lovely layers of red fruit, as well as darker, more savory elements.
100% Burgundian French oak barrels (40% new; 60% 1-2-year old)
Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential
- Type:
- Red
- Varietal:
- Pinot Noir
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Carneros
- Vintage:
- 2019
- Blend:
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Fermentation:
- Multi-yeast fermentations (native yeast, followed by cultured yeast); 100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel